Ferguson, Missouri – A devastating house fire took the lives of a mother and her four children, leaving authorities to suspect a tragic murder-suicide. The St. Louis County Police Department reported that Bernadine Pruessner, 39, along with her children Ivy Pruessner, 9; Ellie Pruessner, 9; Jackson Spader, 6; and Millie Spader, 2, perished in the blaze.
Investigations pointed towards the possibility that the fire was intentionally started by the mother, as the point of origin was a mattress set ablaze in the home. A note left behind indicated Bernadine’s intentions to end her own life and that of her children.
The police department stated that officers responded to the call at 4:23 a.m. on Monday, with fire personnel discovering the deceased individuals inside the house. Tragically, one dog also perished in the fire.
Nathan Cohen, Pruessner’s attorney, revealed that she had been entangled in heated custody and child support disputes with the fathers of her children. The stress of these legal battles, coupled with the responsibility of raising a family, took a toll on her mental well-being.
In a heartfelt statement released by her family, Pruessner was described as a devoted mother who solely focused on her children’s happiness. The family shed light on the challenges she faced due to ongoing litigation and false accusations from her ex-husband and former boyfriend.
Jared Spader, the father of two of the children, expressed his grief, emphasizing the exceptional qualities his children possessed. He, along with the other father, David Pruessner, emphasized the need to honor the lives lost and thanked the community for their support.
The Ferguson Police Chief, Troy Doyle, acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy on the town, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and community support in times of distress. The incident served as a poignant reminder of the unseen battles individuals may face and the shared vulnerability of humanity.