Authorities in Michigan are investigating possible foul play after eight people, including six children, were found dead inside a burning home Friday with some of the victims suffering gunshot wounds.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office launched a suspicious death investigation after responding to a house fire in Grand Haven Township and discovering multiple fatalities.
Authorities said the victims—all believed to be related—include six children between the ages of 5 and 15 and two adults in their 40s.
TWO TEEN SUSPECTS HELD AFTER 5 FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN ‘TARGETED MASS SHOOTING’
Investigators believe all eight lived at the home and are working to formally identify them.
The Grand Haven Fire Department initially responded to reports of the smell of smoke in the area between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Friday, but firefighters were unable to locate a fire.
Just before 11:45 a.m., deputies and firefighters returned after receiving reports of white smoke coming from a home in the 14900 block of Riverside Trail.
FAMILY IDENTIFIES YOUNG WOMAN FOUND FATALLY SHOT IN HOME OWNED BY REP AYANNA PRESSLEY’S HUSBAND
After extinguishing the fire, emergency crews discovered the eight victims inside the residence.
The sheriff’s office said investigators later determined that at least some of the victims had been shot.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional information is expected following the completion of the victims’ autopsies.
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating alongside arson investigators with the Michigan State Police.
