Ottawa County man’s ‘employment ended’ weeks before murder-suicide of wife, six children
Investigators in Ottawa County have confirmed new details regarding the deaths of eight family members in Grand Haven Township. The man identified as the perpetrator, 47-year-old Kristopher Karolkiewicz, left his position at the American Heart Association earlier in July 2026. He had served as a national vice president of sales and marketing for the organization.
The tragedy occurred at a home on Riverside Trail where eight people were found dead on Friday. Autopsies performed at Corewell Health confirm that all victims died from gunshot wounds. Authorities state that the fire in the home was intentionally set in multiple locations after the killings occurred.
The victims included the wife, Amanda Karolkiewicz, and their six children. The children ranged in age and included four biological children and two adopted children. Sheriff's officials noted that the firearm used in the incident was registered to Kristopher Karolkiewicz. Records show no prior police calls to the residence or any history of criminal activity for the individual.
Local school officials are working to support students and staff during this period. Mandy Karolkiewicz was a substitute teacher at Peach Plains Elementary, where staff members remember her commitment to her students. Investigations into the exact cause and origin of the fire are ongoing with the assistance of Michigan State Police arson experts.