FERGUSON, MO – In a shocking turn of events, a revered Missouri teacher and her four young children died in a house fire, now deemed a deliberate act by authorities. Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, a prior Missouri Teacher of the Year, is believed to have instigated the fatal fire, as per the St. Louis County Police Department.
The victims, 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy Pruessner, 5-year-old Jackson Spader, and 2-year-old Millie Spader, were discovered in their home early Monday morning. Investigators have concluded that the fire originated from a mattress that Pruessner had purposely set on fire. A note found at the scene revealed Pruessner’s plan to take her life and those of her children.
Hours before the fire, Pruessner, 39, had taken to Facebook to share her feelings about her children. She professed her intense love for them and cherished their peaceful moments of sleep. She also posted a photo of herself with her children, referring to their bond as unbreakable.
At the time of her death, Pruessner was entangled in a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, David Pruessner, and her ex-boyfriend, Jared Spader, the fathers of her children. Despite her personal struggles, her lawyer, Nathan Cohen, was taken aback by the tragic incident, stating that he never suspected Pruessner was a threat to herself or her children.
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign started by Pruessner’s family has accumulated over $12,000. The fathers of the children have also voiced their sorrow and appreciation for the community’s support. A separate GoFundMe campaign in memory of Jackson and Millie Spader has raised over $36,000.