A deadly fire in Ferguson, Mo., that claimed the lives of a mother and her four children has been ruled a murder-suicide, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department. Louis.
“A preliminary investigation has revealed this to be a murder/suicide,” the police department told PEOPLE in a statement. “It is believed that Bernadine deliberately set the mattress on fire as it was the original point of fire. A note was also left stating that Bernadine intended to take her own life and the lives of her children.”
Police responded to a fatal house fire around 4:23 a.m. Monday in Ferguson, a city located not far from St. Louis, said a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department. Louis to PEOPLE. After officers arrived at the scene, firefighters informed them that four people had been found dead in the home. Soon after, the fifth victim was found.
The victims were identified by police as Bernadine Pruessner, 39; Ivy Pruessner, 9; Ellie Pruessner, 9; Jackson Spader; 6; and Millie Spader, 2. All lived in the 500 block of N. Clay Avenue in Ferguson. Bernadine was the mother of all four children.
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A deadly house fire in Ferguson is being ruled a murder-suicide.
Ferguson Police Department/Facebook
The circumstances of the fire, which also claimed the lives of the family’s three dogs, were previously considered “suspicious,” authorities said St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the local branch of KTVI.
Jared Spader, father of Jackson and Millie, released a statement Wednesday afternoon on behalf of himself and David Pruessner, father of Ellie and Ivy, according to KSDK.
“What I want everyone to know about my two wonderful children is that they are the greatest gift a father could wish for. Jackson was the most amazing big brother, kind, intuitive and gentle. He loved his sisters, being outside, sports, art and always was attuned to the needs of others. Millie was a witty, charismatic, sweet and kind sister who brightened every moment of every day for all of us,” the statement read.
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“They were the two most beautiful souls a father could wish for and they were a gift to our lives in every way,” it continues. “As fathers we must now focus on honoring four beautiful lives and we plan to do it together. We thank the community, the people we know and many we have never met, who have shown us incredible amounts of support. We will continue to need it.”
Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle said he and other first responders were “deeply affected” by the fire.
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“The first responders were faced with a situation that no training manual could have prepared them for,” Doyle posted on the Ferguson Police Department’s Facebook page. “It was a powerful reminder of the unprecedented battles some of our neighbors are fighting and the critical need for empathy, compassion and support from all of us. This incident deeply affected those who served that day, demonstrating the vulnerability we all share as human beings. ”
“This moment of grief calls us to come together like never before. It is time to lean on each other, listen with open hearts and lend a shoulder or an ear to those in need. We are reminded that the strength of our community lies in our unity and our willingness to we support each other in the darkest of times,” Doyle continued.
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A deadly house fire in Ferguson is being ruled a murder-suicide.
Ferguson Police Department/Facebook
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“As Chief of Police, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where understanding and support are paramount, ensuring that our officers are not just responders, but compassionate members of the community ready to lend a helping hand. We are committed to improving mental health resources and ensuring that everyone knows that they are not alone,” he concluded.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.
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Source: HIS Education