OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – A family of eight in West Michigan was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a burning home.
According to police, Kristopher “Kris” Karolkiewicz shot and killed his wife, Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, 39, and their six children before taking his own life.
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Their children were four boys, ages 15, 12, 11, and 5, and two girls, both 11. Four of the children were biological, and two were adopted, police said.
Firefighters and deputies said they were called to a house fire the morning of July 24 on Riverside Trail. But when first responders went in to try to fight the blaze, they said they found the family dead inside.
Michigan State Police arson investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire and origin, but Sparks said preliminary information shows it was intentionally set in numerous places inside the home. Police also said the fire was started after the killings. Family pets also died due to fire and smoke.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
What first responders discovered
Firefighters and deputies said they were called to a house fire Friday morning on Riverside Trail beginning around 8:30 a.m. due to the smell of smoke in the area.
“They were unable to locate an actual house fire,” said Captain Jake Sparks. “They looked in the area and couldn’t track it into a specific house.”
When first responders came back at 11:42 a.m., after receiving calls of “white smoke showing” from the Karolkiewicz home, firefighters began working outside to put out the fire, police said.
But when first responders went inside to try to fight the blaze, they said they found the family dead inside.
Michigan State Police arson investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire and origin, but Sparks said preliminary information shows it was intentionally set in numerous places inside the home. Police also said the fire was started after the killings. Family pets also died due to fire and smoke.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
Man’s ‘employment ended’ weeks before murder-suicide
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.
Family: ‘We are just so shattered’
“Our daughter Mandy was a kind and devoted soul who loved her family and her students,” Mandy’s parents, Steve and Becky Lawwill, told Local 4, in part. “We treasured every moment we had with her and her six children, and words cannot adequately express our devastation.”
Steve Lawwill posted on social media, sharing a family photo saying “So grateful for the joy they brought into our life. We are just so shattered.”
“We pray for God’s peace and comfort as we grieve their deaths and honor their lives,” Steve and Rebecca Lawwill told Local 4. “We ask that the media give our family space in the weeks and months ahead, and that they respect the privacy of all who loved Mandy and the children.”
According to her website, and an author biography, Mandy Karolkiewicz, going by Mandy Karol, was passionate about “special needs and trauma-informed advocacy, mindfulness, reading, dining out, traveling, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.”
Mandy Karolkiewicz also appeared active on social media -- sharing family photos and videos, along with travel videos. She recently shared a video with text saying “Day 3 in Hangzhou,” which is in Zhejiang, China.
Mandy ‘goes above and beyond for students’
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski is calling the tragedy “a devastating incident.”
In a post from earlier this year, Grand Haven Public Schools recognized Mandy Karolkiewicz as “a Premier Substitute Teacher at Peach Plains,” saying that she “goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day.” The school said that she responds with “empathy, patience, and care,” and “pours her heart into her work.”
After the shooting and fire, Perkowski sent a letter to families of the Grand Haven community.
“Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community,” Perkowski said, in part. “Our team is preparing to deploy support for those who may need it. Although school is not currently in session, we will be ready to respond if and when additional information becomes available.”
“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of those involved and avoid speculation or sharing information that has not been officially confirmed,” Perkowski said. “Please continue to care for yourselves and one another as our community processes this news together.”
Community support, donate to family
After a vigil was held and dozens of people held hands in prayer, a prayer is planned at the Rosary on Monday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. in St. Patrick Church in Grand Haven.
“We continue to pray for the repose of their souls and for their family and friends who grieve,” the church posted.
A GoFundMe was created to support the family during this difficult time. Mandy’s family said that any funds donated will go toward legal expenses, and any remaining funds will go toward a scholarship in the children’s memory. You can view the GoFundMe here.