Michigan authorities identify man they say killed wife and six children before home fire

Authorities say the killings fit the definition of family annihilation, one of at least eight in the US this year

Authorities in Michigan have identified a man they say fatally shot his wife and six children on Friday in a mass murder that fits the definition of a family annihilation.

Citing autopsy results, the Ottawa county sheriff's office said in a news release Monday that Kristopher Karolkiewicz; his wife, Amanda; and their six children, aged five to 15, all died of gunshot wounds before their bodies were found in their burning home in Grand Haven Township. The agency noted that Kristopher Karolkiewicz shot himself to death - and said the deaths of Amanda and the children were ruled homicides.