House Fire Or Homicide? Family Of 8 Found Dead

Summary

---

Podcast Summary:

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: House Fire Or Homicide? Family Of 8 Found Dead
Date: July 26, 2026
Host: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

---

Episode Overview

This episode confronts the harrowing discovery of eight family members found dead in a house fire in Grand Haven Township, Michigan. Hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes grapple with the chilling revelation that some victims had gunshot wounds, shifting the tragedy from a possible accident to a complex and disturbing potential homicide or murder-suicide. The episode explores the investigation’s early findings, the community impact, the confusion and fear gripping neighbors, and the personal stories of the victims, while acknowledging how little is still known.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Initial Incident & Scene (02:21–06:28)

• Discovery Details:

  • The tragedy was reported after firefighters responded to calls about smoke at a home; the scene appeared less about a raging fire and more about hidden danger.
  • Quote: "Eight people dead. All members of the same family dead in a house fire. But then comes the added detail. Some of them were shot." — T.J. Holmes (02:25)
  • The authorities did not encounter a house “fully engulfed in flames,” and only noticed some white smoke hours after the first report (05:09).
  • Police and firefighters entered the home and found all eight family members deceased. The victims included two parents and six children, ages 5–15.

• Nature of the Event:

  • Initially considered a “horrible accident” (Amy Robach, 03:04), but, “to imagine that there was intention behind this, that's when it gets dark and scary and concerning” (Amy Robach, 03:04).
  • The lack of visible fire damage raised questions about the true cause of death and what transpired in the house.

2. Investigation Developments & Theories (06:28–15:26)

• Police Statements & Early Theories:

  • Authorities describe the scene as "complicated and complex," not immediately labeling it as a homicide or murder-suicide.
  • No evidence a perpetrator is at large: "They are not looking for some murderer out there on the street right now." — T.J. Holmes (06:28)
  • The possibility of a self-contained tragedy or murder-suicide was underscored. However, no weapon had yet been found (07:21–07:47).
  • Quote: “It's too early for me to say that it's a murder suicide. I can tell you that's one theory that we have and we're looking to see if we can verify that." — Quoting Sheriff’s Department (09:48)

• Complexity of the Crime:

  • Discussion of logistics: with six children in the house—some teenagers—the hosts question how such a tragedy could have occurred without resistance, especially if all were killed by one person:
    • “If one person had the intention of doing harm, it's just hard for me to imagine that someone couldn't have or wouldn't have fought back.” — Amy Robach (10:51)
  • Reference to the Canero murder case and another high-profile case to illustrate how hard it is to process such violence within families (10:29).

• Possibility of Outside Involvement:

  • Despite police messaging, Amy and T.J. do not entirely rule out an external perpetrator, citing a similar case where initial assumptions of murder-suicide turned out to be incorrect (12:53).

• Forensic Questions:

  • Autopsies to determine cause of death (11:10, 13:49).
  • Details about the nature of wounds remain unclear; some victims were shot, and it was unclear if other means (stabbing, fire) were used (13:49).

3. Community, Family, and Emotional Fallout (15:26–25:50)

• Community Anxiety:

  • The community is in shock and "wants answers” while facing fear and uncertainty about safety and the possibility of someone responsible still being loose (14:49).
  • Quote: "No one is going to sleep easy until you tell us who that person is." — T.J. Holmes (15:26)

• Victims' Identities & Family Impact:

  • The mother was a substitute teacher, described as a light in the classroom, beloved by students (20:28).
  • The family was considered model neighbors—active, joyful, and known in the community. “You could hear a noise on the... neighborhood street, and it was from those kids playing in the yard. They were always outside playing, joyful.” — Amy Robach (03:04)
  • Family members shared their grief on social media: The mother’s sister said on Facebook, "Everything is just blurry. Please continue to pray. Friends, please continue to pray. As we try and piece everything together, our hearts are utterly shattered. Tragic doesn't even touch it." (20:54)
  • The father had posted about their 10-year anniversary just prior, “How lucky am I to get to love this woman?” (11:45)

• School District’s Response:

  • Despite school not being in session, the local district prepared to offer resources to grieving children and families.
  • Quote (Reads Statement): "Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community... Our team is preparing to deploy support for those who may need it." — Amy Robach (23:31)

• Personal Reflection:

  • The hosts express visceral emotional reactions to the children's photos, the appearance of normalcy in the family’s social media pictures, and the shock of such grief.
  • “It makes me very emotional to see their faces... just to think that this—something, something sinister was happening in someone's head and decided to do just the most heinous of all crimes to take out all the people who you purport to love.” — Amy Robach (25:19)

4. Unresolved Questions & Awaiting Answers (Throughout)

• The lack of a found weapon, forensic determinations, and formal identifications keep the case surrounded in uncertainty.
• Authorities and the community alike are waiting for autopsy results and more details from the investigation (25:50).
• The hosts underscore the importance of not jumping to conclusions, leaving room for evolving news and possible twists, citing previous cases where early theories were wrong.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:25 | T.J. Holmes | "Eight people dead. All members of the same family dead in a house fire. But then comes the added detail. Some of them were shot." | | 03:04 | Amy Robach | "To imagine that there was intention behind this, that's when it gets dark and scary and concerning for this community, for the neighborhood." | | 07:21 | T.J. Holmes | "Self contained. Right? They think this is a self contained tragedy. Nobody outside that home was involved in whatever happened inside that home."| | 09:48 | Quoting Sheriff | "It's too early for me to say that it's a murder suicide. I can tell you that's one theory that we have and we're looking to see if we can verify that."| | 10:51 | Amy Robach | "If one person had the intention of doing harm, it's just hard for me to imagine that someone couldn't have or wouldn't have fought back." | | 14:49 | Amy Robach | "Actual physical chills when you said that, imagining it? Because I wouldn't feel safe...We absolutely know murders took place in that home, period."| | 15:26 | T.J. Holmes | "No one is going to sleep easy until you tell us who that person is." | | 20:54 | Amy Robach | (Reading from the sister's Facebook) "Everything is just blurry. Please continue to pray. Friends, please continue to pray. As we try and piece everything together, our hearts are utterly shattered. Tragic doesn't even touch it."| | 23:31 | Amy Robach | (School district statement) "Our team is preparing to deploy support for those who may need it." | | 25:19 | Amy Robach | "It makes me very emotional to see their faces... something sinister was happening in someone's head and decided to do just the most heinous of all crimes..." |

---

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:21 | Introduction to the story and initial facts | | 03:04 | Emotional impact of possible intentional tragedy | | 05:09 | Timeline of fire calls and fire department response | | 06:28 | Police state there’s no current public threat; introduction of murder-suicide theory | | 07:21 | Discussion of self-contained incident | | 09:48 | Sheriff's direct statement about murder-suicide theory | | 12:53 | Reminder to keep open the possibility of an outside perpetrator | | 13:49 | Forensic uncertainties: cause and mechanism of death | | 15:26 | Community fear and need for answers | | 20:28 | Personal details about the mother and family's community involvement | | 23:31 | School district’s official support statement | | 25:19 | Hosts’ emotional reactions to the children’s pictures and family tragedy |

---

Conclusion

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes present a thorough, empathetic, and suspenseful account of an incomprehensible family tragedy, balancing facts, community impact, and the emotional weight of such incidents. The episode makes it clear that answers are desperately needed—not only for justice, but for the community's sense of safety and understanding. Listeners are left awaiting further updates as the investigation continues and as autopsy and forensic findings begin to surface.

---

Transcript

[Amy Robach]

This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.

[TJ Holmes]

If audiobooks are your thing or you've been meaning to listen to more of them, you should check out a podcast called earsay, the Audible and I Heart Audiobook Club, hosted by Cal Penn.

[Cal Penn]

Each episode spotlights standout audiobooks on Audible across all kinds of genres Sci fi, comedy, romance, thrillers and more, with Cal talking to guests who help break down what makes each story worth listening to.

[TJ Holmes]

It's a fun, easy way to discover your next great, great audiobook.

[Cal Penn]

Check out Earsay on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong and Will Friedle from Pod Meets World. Your home tells a story and scent is part of it With Pura's Smart Diffusers, every room can have its own fragrance, its own feeling, bright and energizing in the kitchen, calm and grounding in the bedroom. Set schedules, adjust intensity and control every diffuser right from the Pura app, your whole home scented exactly the way you want it. Visit pura.com wholehome to start building yours.

[Popsicle Brand Announcer]

The breakup no one saw coming has hit the freezer aisle. Cherry, Orange and Grape Popsicle Ice Pops are going solo. Now. Fans must pick a side and help crown the Flavorfew champion with a chance to earn a long term solo spot on freezer shelves. Pick up the Cherry, Orange and Grape Popsicle Ice Pop variety pack to experience all three iconic flavors and decide where your loyalty lies and then vote by shouting out your favorite on Social and don't forget to follow the Flavor Feud drama all summer long on Instagram.

[Orderly Meds Announcer]

Opsicle Summer is here, which means we all want to look and feel our best. A GLP 1 may be right for you. Visit orderlymeds.com to learn more about which GLP 1 you could be eligible for. Getting started is fast, easy and happens virtually through telemedicine from licensed professionals. Check it out for yourself. Go to orderlymeds.com podcast that's orderlymeds.com podcast taking care of yourself feels great. Compounded medications are not FDA approved, eligibility required and determined by a licensed provider. Individual results may vary. See website for details.

[TJ Holmes]

Hey there folks.

[Cal Penn]

It is Sunday, July 26 and a

[TJ Holmes]

horrific story based on the headline alone, Eight people dead. All members of the same family dead in a house fire. But then comes the added detail. Some of them were shot. And with that, welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ Robes. We see fire. Sometimes we hear whole family taken out. This is such a tragedy. Robes this added now detail Adds so some certainly mystery questions. But a story this horrific, how can it get even worse? Hearing that detail something about that. Robes, take this beyond just the tragedy of a family being dead.

[Amy Robach]

Yes, obviously that is the tragedy. And to think that it might have happened from some faulty wiring or something that was just that that went amiss or arise something they couldn't have foreseen, it's a horrible accident. That's one thing. But to imagine that there was intention behind this, that's when it gets dark and scary and concerning for this community, for the neighborhood, for the people who loved this family. This was a family that folks knew. They say you could hear a noise on the. On the neighborhood street, and it was from those kids playing in the yard. They were always outside playing joyful. And that's what people remember. That is what they heard coming from that home. So now to hear that there's this awful tragedy and to hear that some of the people in the home had gunshot wounds, that's also confusing.

[TJ Holmes]

So dark is the word you used a moment ago. So dark, folks, because we're talking about a family of eight, two parents, six kids, and reportedly all the kids are between the ages of 5 and 15. So now if again, Robes the tragedy and the result is all the same. But it does hit differently. If you hear that something else happened in that home that went beyond an accident, we'll tell you. I'll just tell you what we know. We're just starting to get this information. And the sheriff's department down there, I say down there, up there in Michigan where this took place, saying this is a complicated and complex scene that they're having to go through with a. A pretty huge number of detectives, they say on the scene are trying to figure out what happened. So where this happened. Grand Haven Township, it's on the water where this house is, but it's about 30 miles west of Grand Rapids in Michigan. And Robes, this was all started on Friday night in a kind of a.

[Cal Penn]

A weird way you could even argue

[TJ Holmes]

when authorities were first called fire crews. Robes, this is on Friday morning, got a call of smoke, a smell of smoke, but they couldn't find fire. Yes.

[Amy Robach]

So someone reported. Yeah, that they smelled smoke, didn't find the fire. Then they called back again two hours later with the report of white smoke coming from a home. So imagine, I guess for several hours, obviously something's smoldering, but it wasn't visibly detectable. They just could smell smoke in the area. So it's. So imagine they're going around trying to See if they can find a fire. They can't. Two hours later. Now they see white smoke coming from a house. So they know where the smoke or the smell is coming from and they head in that direction. But what they found inside that home was nothing like they were expecting.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah.

[Cal Penn]

And I couldn't get a handle here.

[TJ Holmes]

Robes. It seemed like this wasn't a case. The authorities said they took in an offensive approach. They said to the fire they went looking for it. It didn't seem like the home was fully engulfed in flames. And even by some pictures I've seen from the scene, you don't see a whole lot of damage or at least fire damage. Robes. So this it.

[Cal Penn]

Robes.

[TJ Holmes]

I it, I got the impression as they were telling the story authorities that they went into the home. Not necessarily. It's totally engulfed in flames and just started finding bodies and they're having to do autopsies this weekend. Robes. Did they die of smoke inhalation? They should be able to tell that pretty soon.

[Cal Penn]

But.

[TJ Holmes]

Robes. It's such a mystery. And we should note they are not looking for some murderer out there on the street right now.

[Amy Robach]

They did make that very clear. And look, they are trying to thread a needle because they don't know what happened. They don't know how it happened. They certainly don't know why it happened. And right now they don't even know, as you pointed out, how each person in that family died. So there are still a lot of questions that have yet to be answered. But as you can imagine, this community wants it. But to hear very specifically that there is not a threat to the community, that they are not looking for a person of interest that obviously points to some version of murder suicide. Although they didn't go so far as to say that's what this case is. But clearly it does seem that that is the approach they're taking in terms of the investigation.

[TJ Holmes]

Self contained. Right? They think this is a self contained tragedy. Nobody outside that home was involved in whatever happened inside that home. They did say they haven't found a, or at least they haven't told us. Robes. But they were asked. They haven't found a murder weapon. They don't have a gun of some kind. But Robes I hate to incorporate this. What in God's name happened in that house? Robes. One person shot seven others and then shot himself or herself. Robes. You wonder? And I'm sorry, I mean this is not to be, this is not a speculation about what happened in the home because we don't have any indication. But Robes.

[Cal Penn]

You Go through.

[TJ Holmes]

We've seen so many cases now recently of young people with weapons in their hand not making an accusation about who did what in the house. And there's no indication any. The older kids were a problem. What I'm saying is Robes. What they're trying to piece together is who did what in this home. And you don't unless it's just laid out in some way in the house. Robes. You have several potential shooters in the house, do you not?

[Amy Robach]

Yes. I mean there were from the kids, if they were from 5 to 15. Yes, you have some possibilities. It's hard to imagine that that is a possible scenario, but obviously police have to consider all of the scenarios. You have two adults, but you do have teenagers in the house as well. And unfortunately we have reported on several stories recently about kids as young as, my God, 6, 7, 8, 9 who know how to handle weapons. So yes, they have to consider all the possibilities. And look, this is such a recent tragedy and the community is still reeling and there are still so many questions. We're getting just a few images out there. Some family members are putting up photos of this family. And I can't stop staring at this family photo on the beach. And you know, we always look at these photos, these Instagram pictures, these Christmas card like looking photos of families where everyone looks so happy and so loving and so wonderful and we wish we were a part of the family. It looks so beautiful. And that's what I see. When you see this family of eight standing on the beach with grandparents looking as happy as can be, like a perfect family vacation. And to think you're looking at that picture and then imagining the scene that, that investigators are now having to go through. I just feel for anyone who has to walk into a scene like that and not only process it, but try to figure out what the hell happened.

[TJ Holmes]

And authorities on the point Robes of what the hell happened. The sheriff's department said, quote, it's too early for me to say that it's a murder suicide. I can tell you that's one theory that we have and we're looking to see if we can verify that. Robes. There's not a whole lot we've, we've seen stories and plenty of crime stories. There's not a whole lot of scenarios outside of that one that, that make a whole lot of sense. Then you go to the next thing. Robes. And we have seen recently some pretty horrific stories. And it's, it's hard that, you know what, the canary one, that murder trial is hard to understand. He's been convicted. This was in New Jersey.

[Amy Robach]

Yes.

[TJ Holmes]

If you weren't following that story, but you might have. Big story. Canero, he was convicted, but he killed his niece and his nephew. And the way he had to kill them was so horrific. And it's hard to understand how an adult could do that to a child. Whereas we're looking at the scenario or possibility here that someone, potentially an adult, killed six kids under the age of 15. That is not comprehensible.

[Amy Robach]

No, it's not comprehensible. And I also start thinking about, look, I know we don't know what happened, but I just imagine with that many people in the house, if one person had the intention of doing harm, it's just hard for me to imagine that someone couldn't have or wouldn't have fought back with all of those people against one, whoever that one was. I guess it could have happened when people were sleeping if it. That would be the only scenario in which you could possibly. If one person had ill intent to go after that many people at one time with that many different ages. And it did look like from the picture, all the, the older ones were the boys, you would just think there would be an opportunity to fight back or for there to be some sort of fight for life. And it doesn't. We don't know any of those details. But yes, I guess when people are sleeping, that is when they're most vulnerable. I do think this is just one of those awful scenarios that people are gonna need to understand because you need to. This is a point where you've got this seemingly perfect family by. From her family's account, she was a substitute teacher. Don't know a lot of, a lot about the guy, but just know that these kids were active and involved and big parts of this community outside playing as kids do, the neighbors knew them. This was a family that nobody was suspicious of. I did see that the police put out that there were no calls to that house ever. So there were no disturbances. There was no idea that anything possibly could have been going on with the marriage, with the family. I believe there was a, a 10 year anniversary post from the, from the father to the mother saying, how lucky am I to get to love this woman? So, yes, from the outside looking in, it looked like the perfect Michigan family. Wholesome. And so, yes, people are going to want to know what were the warning signs? Were there warning signs? Could we have done something to help? But seemingly the sister and the mother who have put stuff out on Facebook seem shocked and are asking for prayers I can't imagine just losing that many members of your own family in one fell swoop and not knowing why they

[TJ Holmes]

are going to and robes. I guess we should still leave room for the possibility someone did this to the family and there is somebody out there.

[Amy Robach]

Look, the dentist, the story out of Ohio, I believe. Remember when you had the kids were left alive but that young couple, the dentist and his wife. And it looked initially like possibly a murder suicide. They couldn't find a weapon. Turns out her ex husband had been stalking them and was eventually charged with their murders. So there are possibilities where yes, there could be someone who had a way in and a way out. If they can't, that's interesting that they say at least right now they don't have a murder weapon because clearly if it's a murder suicide, there would have to be a murder weapon on the scene.

[TJ Holmes]

Fairly evident. Yes, you would even argue.

[Amy Robach]

So that is a little puzzling. And yes, they. That's why they didn't jump immediately to a murder suicide. They obviously have to find a gun in the home. If they don't find a gun in the home, they have to consider the possibility that someone came into this home and did harm.

[TJ Holmes]

And again, Rose, they said the way they're putting it, some of them were shot. Now it's possible whatever chaos in the home, you can't tell and by the naked eye from. It's not up to them to make a determination of what the cause of death was, but for them to be able to say some were shot, weren't sure about the others. What were the condition of the bodies or was it possible that they were. You know what, where is this quote here? Quote from the sheriff's department. Some of the victims inside did have gunshot wounds to their bodies. We don't have a cause of death at this point. I don't know if there were other means that were used. Is it possible that some were killed one way with a stabbing, others with a knife? Again, this is what they're having to put together in Rose. They're having to consider all of this stuff. Autopsies were supposed to happen, I believe yesterday about the local report. When we get those answers, I don't know. But this community needs answers and the questions we're asking. Can you imagine living next door, house down, two houses down. Now y' all sure nobody else is

[Amy Robach]

running around actual physical chills when you said that, imagining it? Because I wouldn't feel safe. I wouldn't feel safe with. We think it's a murder suicide. We believe that's possible. We don't think there's a threat to the community. We look, you know, we already lock our doors and are aware of our surroundings. But you have that in your community and a community that is not used to seeing any kind of violence like that. At the very least it seems targeted. But it's still scary as hell to not know and to think, look, we don't know if it's a murder suicide, but we absolutely know murders took place in that home, period.

[TJ Holmes]

And that means there is a murderer and no one is going to sleep easy until you tell us who that person is. Is there a possibility that person is still out there on the road? Ropes the school district there? Yes. It's not in session right now. Kids are out, but stay here. We'll tell you what the school district still felt it was necessary for them to do, even with school out, to try to support the community. Also, the police haven't officially identified the victims in this case. However, family members have been talking. We will tell you as much as we know at this point about this couple who had six kids and the whole family is dead this morning. Stay here.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Introducing B of A Rewards A new way to reward your every ambition. It all starts with a Bank of America checking account and grows from there. You get cash back, deals on brands you know and love, plus a credit card rewards bonus helping you earn more rewards on things you buy every day. Join B of A Rewards today for rewards tailored to your lifestyle. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America Open or enroll your [e-mail] B of A Rewards bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

[TJ Holmes]

If you're anything like us, you are hitting the road. You're hitting the friendly skies. But you are heading away from home. Yes, summer vacation means a different bed, different schedule, healthy habits put on pause except for the 30 seconds it takes to mix. AG1 1 scoop plus 8 ounces of

[Danielle Fishel]

water every morning AG1 AG1 helps to

[Cal Penn]

maintain energy, support gut health and support immune health. It's clinically shown to support gut health and fill in common nutrient gaps.

[TJ Holmes]

Even though summer is your license to chill with all the late nights, long weekends and spontaneous plans, AG1 helps you keep one thing consistent. High quality nutritional support every single day,

[Amy Robach]

no matter where you start your morning.

[Cal Penn]

The next gen formula delivers 75 plus ingredients clinically shown to support gut health, fill common nutrient gaps and improve key nutrient levels within three months.

[TJ Holmes]

Supplements and multivitamins are really about consistency. Most of us aren't eating perfectly every single day, especially when we're traveling. But summer is a lot easier when you can take that routine with you.

[Cal Penn]

Visit drinkag1.com TJ to get a free AG1 travel case with seven free AG1 travel packs in your welcome kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last. That's drinkag1.com TJ if you're always on

[TJ Holmes]

the lookout for a great audiobook or just want help figuring out what to listen to next, there's a podcast you should know about.

[Cal Penn]

It's called Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[TJ Holmes]

Hosted by Cal Penn Ear, each episode takes a closer look at some of the most talked about new audiobooks on Audible, spanning a wide range of genres, from sci fi and literary fiction to rom coms, thrillers and comedy.

[Cal Penn]

Kyle is joined by guests who dig into what these stories are about, what makes them stand out as audiobooks, and why they're connecting with listeners right now.

[TJ Holmes]

If you're looking for your next listen, this is a great place to start.

[Cal Penn]

Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartRadio app and Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong and Will Friedle from Pod Meets World. Your home deserves more than a good smelling room. It deserves a great smelling home. Purahome, our fifth generation smart diffuser brings thoughtful upgrades to every detail. A new fragrance tray for easier swaps, dual band wi fi for a more reliable connection and intuitive app control to set schedules and dial in intensity from anywhere. Redefine design, improve performance. This is whole home scenting elevated. Visit pura.com home to upgrade your space.

[TJ Holmes]

All right, we continue here on this Sunday morning. Just an awful story we're getting out of Michigan about a family of eight dead after firefighters were called to a house fire. However, it wasn't the fire, at least according to authorities that it appears killed all the family members. They say some of them have gunshot wounds. Again, a family of eight kids between the ages of five and 15. Robes, they say some that can mean 2, 3, 4, 5. I mean we do not know at this point what we're talking about. Robes, you've been talking here this morning on this episode. Also you were talking to me as well before we started, just about seeing the picture of the family and the picture that's been put out by a couple of family members. I believe grandparents and an aunt to the kids have done this. But Robes, as much as we know about the family members right now and what they're telling us, I believe she was a substitute teacher.

[Amy Robach]

She was a substitute teacher for the community. And already we had some folks speak out about just how she was a light, how she loved her students, how people loved having her in their classroom. And we hear from her sister. She said she put out a post on Facebook saying, my little sister Mandy, from her husband, my six nieces and nephews. And she said, and this kind of just puts it and brings it home. Everything is just blurry. Please continue to pray. Friends, please continue to pray. As we try and piece everything together, our hearts are utterly shattered. Tragic. Doesn't even touch it. She put that out on Facebook and even her parents put out that picture, that picture of this family with them standing in the middle of this family on the beach and just said, so grateful for the joy they brought into our life. We are just so shattered. So, yeah, she was a substitute teacher for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. And she had a review of her on the. On the website there for the school saying she goes above and beyond for her students. So. Yeah. And you look at the house, we've seen pictures of the house. It doesn't even look like it was. It has fire damage.

[TJ Holmes]

I was making sure there were authorities on the scene. I'm like, this is a current picture. And it just what they describe. I hear eight dead house fire. I'm like, oh my goodness, what a devastating fire. They couldn't get out. And then you see, and then you hear the details. What in God's name and robe? Smoke. Smoke. Whoever set the fire, it doesn't seem like it really got going that well. No, because over two hours, three hours even, somebody smelled smoke. Authorities came and couldn't find a damn fire anywhere. They came back three hours later, they see some smoke. But then they have to go find the fire by going through this house. And that's when they found bodies, robes. What in God's name happened in that house? We are robes. I know it's. It's a weird. But our minds and the macabre goes toward Amityville horror.

It does.

[Amy Robach]

It does exactly what you think.

[TJ Holmes]

Something sick and twisted happened. And we. We hear that the first Smoke was at 8:30. That, okay, maybe somebody's tried to. Was it the overnight hours that everybody was shot and killed unsuspected in their beds?

[Amy Robach]

Yeah, I mean, it's, you know, we haven't discussed this, babe, but I actually envisioned the Amityville horror in my mind where you've got these kids sleeping in their beds and you just go from room to room. To room. To room.

[TJ Holmes]

But that's what.

[Amy Robach]

My God, I gotta think that you'd wake up. But just. We need some answers as to what happened and who is responsible. I know that family just probably can't even process the idea that their entire family was wiped out. But all of those kids went to school in that area. They were loved by friends and family. They had been in this area for their entire childhood. So these are kids who have friends and families and they have questions. They have to talk to their own children about what could have happened to their friend, to their classmates. So the school district did put out a statement after just. We're all still trying to piece together what happened but they, they put out the statement saying. It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge reports of a devastating incident in Grand Haven Township earlier today involving the loss of multiple lives, including several school aged children. At this time information remains limited as the Ottawa County Sheriff's office continues its investigation. Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community. Our hearts are with all those impacted and we know many throughout our community may be grieving and struggling to process this news. Given what has been reported so far, our team is preparing to deploy support for those who may need it. Although school is not currently in session, we will be ready to respond if and when additional information becomes available.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah, kids aren't equipped to handle this baby. No, not sure. I went with you in school every once in a while. It's coming up. I think it was more so high school. Just the loss of a student in any manner is devastating. And ropes elementary school age kids. These are six of their classmates. Six of their classmates. They are all school age kids. The five year old might possibly just be starting kindergarten but every. Everybody knows these kids and this family is just. And so I give credit to the school district for jumping in like that. So yeah, school ain't in session but we are here to help right now. I think that was well done and necessary in a lot of ways but I was, I was pleased or for some reason comforted to hear that and robust the idea of how you mentioned it earlier, the neighbor like if there's noise in this neighborhood it was probably them kids.

Yeah.

[Amy Robach]

And six of them.

[Sean Duffy]

Right.

[Amy Robach]

Running around laughing, playing and I'm looking at their smiling faces and they're just at that age. Sorry. It makes me very emotional to see their faces. They're at that age where they're just bright eyed and bushy tailed just excited to be out running around having fun. It's the summertime and just to think that this something, something sinister was happening in someone's head and decided to do just the most heinous of all crimes to take out all the people who you purport to love. Just we don't know who's responsible, we don't know what happened here.

[TJ Holmes]

But we to hop on this one certainly. I mean this came to the top of the headlines and certainly one that stood out. But we are keeping a close eye, expecting potentially some word about autopsies in the coming days. They did say they were happening yesterday Robe so maybe we can get word so sooner than later. But we appreciate you spending a little time with us as always. I'm tj. On behalf of my dear Amy Roboc, we will talk to you all soon.

If audiobooks are your thing or you've been meaning to listen to more of them, you should check out a podcast called Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Cal Penn]

Hosted by Cal Penn, each episode spotlights standout audiobooks on Audible across all kinds of genres. Sci, fi, comedy, romance, thrillers and more. With Cal talking to guests to help break down what makes each story worth listening to.

[TJ Holmes]

It's a fun, easy way to discover your next great audiobook.

[Cal Penn]

Check out Earsay on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sean Duffy]

I'm U.S. transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. We all get distracted when we drive, whether it's from our phones or kids in the backseat bickering. But how we handle these distractions can be a matter of life or death. Before you get on the road for your next road trip, please put your phones on silent and take a mental note to focus on driving. Paid for by NHTSA

[Popsicle Brand Announcer]

the breakup no one saw coming has hit the freezer aisle. Cherry, Orange and Grape Popsicle Ice Pops are going solo now. Fans must pick a side and help crown the Flavorfew champion with a chance to earn a long term solo spot on freezer shelves. Pick up the Cherry, Orange and Grape Popsicle Ice Pop variety pack to experience all three iconic flavors and decide where your loyalty lies. And then vote by chef shouting out your favorite on social. And don't forget to follow the flavor Feud drama all summer long on Instagram.

[Orderly Meds Announcer]

Opsicle Summer is here at Orderly Meds. We know this time is a reminder that life is full of new beginnings. Whether you're celebrating the nice weather, starting a new chapter, planning a vacation, or simply looking ahead to what's next, this season can be the perfect time to invest in yourself and your health. If you've struggled with weight loss and are curious about GLP1 medications, orderly meds can help you learn about your options. Through a simple virtual process, you can connect with licensed medical professionals who can determine whether treatment may be appropriate for you. Getting started is fast, convenient, and happens online from the comfort of home. This summer, consider a new approach to feeling your best. Visit orderlymeds.com podcast to learn more. That's orderlymeds.com podcast orderlymeds.com podcast because every new season is an opportunity to take the next step forward, compounded medications are not FDA approved, eligible, required, and determined by a licensed provider. Individual results may vary. See website for details.

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.