The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has ruled the deaths of a married couple and their six children in Grand Haven Township a murder‑suicide after autopsies found gunshot wounds, and a licensed handgun was recovered. Authorities say fires were intentionally set on the first floor and in the basement after the killings; several family pets also perished. Investigators seized extensive documentation from the home, are reconstructing the timeline that may have started the day before, and continue to pursue all leads.
‘Unspeakable’ Tragedy in Grand Haven Township: Murder-Suicide Leaves Eight Dead
Memorial items appear on the front lawn of the Karolkiewicz family home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, where eight family members died during a murder suicide that was discovered on July 25, 2027, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities in Ottawa County, Michigan, have ruled a shooting and subsequent house fires that killed a married couple and their six children in Grand Haven Township a murder-suicide, officials said.
Investigation Details
Captain Jake Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office told reporters that 39-year-old Amanda Karolkiewicz and all six of the couple's children died from gunshot wounds, based on forensic autopsies. Investigators say 49-year-old Kris Karolkiewicz's death was ruled a suicide and a licensed handgun was recovered at the scene. Sparks said fires were intentionally set in multiple locations of the house after the shootings, with the most severe damage in the basement and on the first floor.
Firefighters responding to the home on the morning of July 25 reported heavy smoke and discovered the deceased family members. Officials said the incident may have begun the night or day before and continued into the early morning hours. The Sheriff's Office reported no prior calls on record to the residence.
OCSO Capt. Jake Sparks takes questions during a press conference July 27, 2026.
Scene and Evidence
The victims were found throughout the home, most in bedrooms. Several family pets, including multiple dogs and a cat, also died from the fire or smoke inhalation. No specific suicide note has been publicly disclosed; however, investigators seized extensive documentation from the house and continue to process physical evidence to reconstruct the timeline and motive.
Family, Background and Community Reaction
The couple purchased the home in June 2019 for $498,900, and township records show they obtained a permit for a new roof in June 2026. Family members identified the victims on social media. Amanda's stepfather, Steve Lawwill, posted a photo and wrote that the family brought joy to their lives and that they are "shattered." Local relatives said they were awaiting additional details from county officials.
Amanda Karolkiewicz worked as a substitute teacher with Grand Haven Area Public Schools and was praised by the district for her care with students. Kris Karolkiewicz held a national-level sales and marketing role with the American Heart Association, according to a 2024 training program and professional listings. An author biography that accompanied Amanda's children's book notes the family had multiple pets and highlights her interests in special-needs advocacy, mindfulness and writing.
Next Steps
Investigators continue to examine documentation, forensic evidence and the timeline to determine why the killings occurred and how the fires were started. Officials said they are pursuing all leads to assemble a complete account of events and will release further information as it becomes available.
"This is an unspeakable tragedy that we may never completely understand why it happened," Capt. Jake Sparks said.
Help us improve.
