A deadly fire in Ferguson, that claimed the lives of a mother and her four children has been ruled a murder-suicide, according the St. Louis County Police Department.
The Mother Left a Note
‘Preliminary investigation has revealed this to be a murder/suicide,’ the police department said. ‘It is believed that Bernadine intentionally set a mattress on fire as that was the point of origin for the fire. A note was also left stating Bernadine’s intentions to take her life and the lives of her children.’
As it Happened
Police responded to the fatal house fire around 4:23 a.m. on Monday in Ferguson, a city located just outside of St. Louis.
After officers arrived on the scene, fire personnel informed them that four people had been found deceased in the home. Shortly after, a fifth victim was located.
The Victims
The victims were identified by police as Bernadine Pruessner, 39; Ivy Pruessner, 9; Ellie Pruessner, 9; Jackson Spader; 6; and Millie Spader, 2. All resided in the 500 block of N. Clay Avenue in Ferguson. Bernadine was the mother of all four children.
The circumstances of the fire, which also claimed the lives of the family’s three dogs, were previously deemed ‘suspicious,’ authorities told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and local outlet KTVI.
Ferguson police chief Troy Doyle said he and other first responders were ‘profoundly affected’ by the fire.
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Statement From Police
‘The first responders met with a situation that no training manual could ever prepare them for,’ Doyle posted on the Ferguson Police Departmen’s Facebook page.
‘It was a stark reminder of the unseen battles some of our neighbors are fighting and the critical need for empathy, compassion, and support from all of us. This incident has profoundly affected those who served that day, showcasing the vulnerability we all share as human beings.
‘This moment of sorrow calls us to band together like never before. It’s a time to lean on one another, to listen with open hearts, and to offer a shoulder or an ear to those in need. We’re reminded that the strength of our community lies in our unity and our willingness to support each other through the darkest times,’ Doyle continued.
