Michigan Home fire update: Six children among 8 people found dead; neighbor reacts as ‘gunshot wounds’ details revealed
Six children are included among eight family members who tragically lost their lives in a “suspicious” house fire in Michigan.
Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident may have been a murder-suicide, as some victims were discovered with gunshot wounds.
Michigan Home fire update: Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office speaks about ‘suspicious’ angle
According to Captain Jacob Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the ages of the children ranged from approximately five to 15 years old.
“Units made entry inside to battle the fire because there was smoke showing from the residence. When they got inside, they noticed that there were several people deceased inside the home,” Sparks stated at a press conference, per 13 On Your Side.
While police have labeled the event as “suspicious,” Sparks emphasized that it is too early to conclude that it’s a “murder-suicide.”
“I can tell you that that’s one theory that we have and we’re still looking to see if we can verify that,” the officer added.
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Chilling gunshot wounds details are out
Sparks confirmed that several victims had sustained gunshot wounds, while police were investigating the possibility of “other means” being involved. “…Some of the victims had gunshot wounds to their bodies.”
“It would be premature for me to say what caused their deaths,” he stated.
Sparks also mentioned that autopsies are scheduled for Saturday. Firefighters were dispatched to the residence between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM yesterday morning following reports of a strong smoke odor.
They searched the vicinity without finding anything, but later returned to the scene after residents reported seeing white smoke emanating from the home located on the 14900 block of Riverside Trail.
Michigan Home fire update: Neighbor speaks out after tragic incident
Speaking to 13 On Your Side, neighbor Scott Fischer said, “I’m saddened, obviously, for the family. If I was walking my dogs or going for a walk, [the mother] would always wave … I would see the dad cutting his grass here and there and the kids were to be playing out in front.”
The Michigan State Police (MSP) are collaborating with the OCSO by providing their arson investigation expertise. At this moment, authorities do not have any leads on an outside suspect.