Authorities have determined that a Grand Haven Township, Michigan, family of eight — including six children — died in a murder-suicide before their home was set on fire.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, emergency crews responded to reports of smoke at a residence on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, her husband Kristopher “Kris” Karolkiewicz, 47, and their six children, ages 5 to 15.

Autopsies confirmed that all eight family members died of gunshot wounds. Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office officials stated that Kristopher Karolkiewicz shot and killed his wife and the six children, then took his own life. Fires were later started in the home, primarily on the first floor and in the basement. The source and exact circumstances of the fires remain under investigation, but authorities believe they were intentionally set after the shootings.

No other suspects are being sought, and there is no ongoing public threat.

Amanda Karolkiewicz, known as Mandy, worked as an elementary school substitute teacher in the Grand Haven area and was described by family as a kind and devoted mother who loved her children and students. Relatives said the family is “utterly shattered” by the loss. The local school district has offered grief support services.

The children have been identified in some reports by first names (including Keegan, Teddy, Bennett, Smith, Caroline, and Ella), though officials have focused primarily on confirming the adults and the overall circumstances.

The tragedy has left the West Michigan community in mourning as investigators continue to examine the sequence of events that led to the deaths.

Sources

• Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office statements and autopsy findings
• Associated Press, USA Today,