Ottawa County sheriff says father killed wife and six children before setting house on fire
Investigators say Kristopher Karolkiewicz shot his wife and six children, then set their Grand Haven home ablaze and took his own life, with the fire deemed intentional.
Ottawa County authorities said a 47-year-old man killed his wife and six children before committing suicide and igniting a fire at their Grand Haven Township home. Autopsies performed at Corewell Health–Blodgett determined that all eight victims died from gunshot wounds, and preliminary arson findings indicate the blaze was deliberately started in multiple locations after the killings.
The victims included Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, and her four sons, ages 15, 12, 11 and 5, as well as two 11-year-old daughters; four of the children were biological and two were adopted. Firefighters and deputies responding to a Friday-morning call found the family deceased inside the burning residence.
Michigan State Police arson investigators continue to examine the fire’s cause and origin. Police also confirmed that family pets perished in the fire and smoke.
"Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community," Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski said in a statement, adding that the district is preparing support services for those affected.
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office or the Silent Observer tip line.