Michigan family was rocked by two horrific tragedies before mom, dad and six children were found dead in burning home

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:28, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 14:40, 27 July 2026 The Michigan family-of-eight killed in their home was rocked by two tragedies before the 'suspicious' house fire. Amanda 'Mandy' Karolkiewicz, 39, her husband Kristopher, 47, and their six children, ages five to 15, were found dead at their $750,000 home in Grand Haven Township on Friday morning.  Some of the victims suffered gunshot wounds, with murder-suicide a possible motive. Ottawa County Sheriff's Office will hold a press conference later on Monday to share more details. Their loved ones are heartbroken by the devastating tragedy, which Amanda's mother Becky Lawwill described as a 'such an ugly thing that has happened.' Becky and her husband Steve lost a son, Allston Lawwill, six years ago to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Allston, 28, started using cocaine and opioids during the COVID-19 pandemic, and quickly became addicted, WSYM-TV reported. Just months after he started using, Allston found himself living in Lansing without his wife, Kassandra, and their three children. He was found dead on November 25, 2020, three days after his passing and last known communication with his wife. Amanda 'Mandy' Karolkiewicz, 39, her husband Kristopher, 47, and their six children, ages five to 15, were found dead at their $750,000 home in Grand Haven Township on Friday morning. The family are pictured with her Amanda's parents Steve and Becky Lawwill Allston Tyler Lawwill, right, died from a fentanyl-fueled heart attack on November 22, 2020. The 28-year-old grew addicted to drugs during the covid-19 pandemic. At the time of his death, he was living separate from his wife, Kassandra, left, and their three children Amanda and Allston also had a second 'baby brother' called Dillan who died, according to a family fundraising page. Further details on that tragedy - including what happened and when - have not been shared.  Police determined Allston purchased cocaine right before his passing, but an autopsy report revealed that it was fentanyl that caused the young father's heart attack.  'It looked like there was no intention at all,' Steve told WSYM in 2021. 'There was no note. There was a bag of Wendy's in the microwave, so he was heating up his lunch.'  Amanda started a crowdfunder to support her brother's widow and children after his unexpected passing, the Daily Mail can reveal.  'There are no words to describe the utter despair that we're feeling as we desperately try to conjure up the energy to share this news and move forward from this tragedy together,' Amanda wrote at the time in a FreeFunder campaign.  'His death was not expected and came way too soon. We don't know how life goes on past this, but right now we are doing our best to live moment by moment and find some peace in knowing that he is with his baby brother, Dillan.' She added: 'Our family is still reeling from this horrific tragedy. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers, especially his wife and 3 kids.' Now, commenting on the deaths of his stepdaughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Steve told MLive: 'We know God has a purpose.' Authorities described the fire at the Karolkiewicz family's five-bedroom $750,000 home as 'suspicious' and are investigating if it was a murder-suicide  Police say autopsies for Amanda, Kristopher and their children are underway  Autopsies for Amanda, Kristopher and their six children are underway.  Detectives are investigating the possibility of a murder-suicide because some of the victims suffered gunshot wounds.  Police have not said how many of the victims were shot and the official causes of death have not yet been determined. Amanda and Kristopher were wed in 2009. According to Steve and Becky, they had four biological children and two adopted children together. The youngest, age five, was about to begin kindergarten at Peach Plains Elementary, where Amanda was a teacher.  The oldest, 15, was heading into high school and had recently begun driver's education. 'She was an amazing mother. She loved her kids so much, so much, and Kris did too,' Becky said of her daughter. 'This is just such an ugly thing that has happened, all eight of them.' Amanda and Kristopher were wed in 2009. They had four biological children and two adopted children together  Amanda worked as a substitute teacher for Grand Haven Area Public Schools, and was honored by the district in a social media post in January Last Friday, Grand Haven Area Public Schools shared a statement offering support to the community. 'It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge reports of a devastating incident in Grand Haven Township earlier today involving the loss of multiple lives, including several school-aged children,' Superintendent Kristin Perkowski wrote. 'Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community. 'Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we know many throughout our community may be grieving and struggling to process this news.'  Amanda worked as a substitute teacher for Grand Haven Area Public Schools, and was honored by the district in a social media post in January. 'Mandy goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day, responding with empathy, patience, and care,' the district wrote.  'She pours her heart into her work, is always willing to help wherever needed, and helps make Peach Plains a better place to learn and work.' Tributes to the family have also begun pouring in on Facebook, as loved ones confirmed their passing. Police at the scene of the couple's home on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township on Friday Amanda's mother Becky described the 39-year-old as an 'amazing mother' Becky said that both Amanda and Kristopher 'loved the kids so, so much' 'My little sister Mandy, her husband, and my six nieces and nephews,' Amanda's sister, Molly Cessna, wrote. 'Everything’s just blurry. Please continue to pray, friends. Please continue to pray as we try and piece everything together. 'Our hearts are utterly shattered. Tragic doesn’t even touch it.' Steve and Becky shared a devastating post with a group photo of the family smiling on the beach.  'So grateful for the joy they brought into our life. We are just so shattered,' they wrote.