OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – The man Ottawa County investigators say killed his wife and six children in a murder-suicide left his job in the weeks before their murders, Local 4 has confirmed.
Kristopher Karolkiewicz worked for the American Heart Association from September 2023 until earlier this month, when his “employment ended” in July 2026, the organization said in a statement.
The organization said he served as national vice president of sales and marketing, supporting the division responsible for CPR and first aid training and products, and worked remotely from his home. He did not work in the American Heart Association’s local Michigan offices or with its local Michigan operations, the statement said.
“As an organization with professional staff who are dedicated to helping others, we are devastated by the news out of Grand Haven, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” the statement said.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said eight people were found dead Friday inside a burning home on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township, west of Grand Rapids.
The deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide. Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, and six children were killed, and 47-year-old Kristopher “Kris” Karolkiewicz died by suicide, investigators said.
After forensic autopsies at Corewell Health–Blodgett, investigators determined all eight deaths were caused by gunshot wounds, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
Capt. Jake Sparks said investigators believe Kris Karolkiewicz killed his wife and their children before taking his own life. Michigan State Police arson investigators are working to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Preliminary information indicates the fire was intentionally set in multiple locations inside the house and was started after the killings, Sparks said.
Sparks confirmed the weapon used was registered to Kris Karolkiewicz and said there had been no prior police calls to the home. Local 4 found he has no prior criminal history.
Officials said the couple had four boys — ages 15, 12, 11 and 5 — and two girls, both 11. Four of the children were biological and two were adopted, investigators said. Family pets also died from fire and smoke.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski called it “a devastating incident” and said the district was preparing to provide support to those who need it, even though school is not in session.
In an earlier social media post, Grand Haven Public Schools recognized Mandy Karolkiewicz as a substitute teacher at Peach Plains Elementary, describing her as someone who “goes above and beyond for students,” responding with “empathy, patience, and care.”
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or submit a tip here.
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family. Donations can be made here.