On Monday, February 19, at around 4:23 a.m., firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in the 500 block of N. Clay Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon arrival, firefighters battled the blaze and subsequently discovered the bodies of the Pruessner family and their three dogs, which also perished in the fire.
The St. Louis County Police Department, after conducting a preliminary investigation, has ruled the incident a murder-suicide. The deceased has been identified as 39-year-old Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner and her children: nine-year-old twins Ivy and Ellie Pruessner, six-year-old Jackson Spader, and two-year-old Millie Spader.
Investigators pinpointed the origin of the fire to a mattress set ablaze within the home. A note, believed to have been left by the mom, Bernadine Pruessner, indicated her intention to end her life as well as those of her children.
Details surrounding the incident have emerged, revealing a family caught in prolonged legal disputes. Bernardine was in a contentious custody fight with both her ex-husband and her ex-boyfriend about her relocating with her children. Jared Spader, father of Jackson and Millie, along with David Pruessner, father of Ivy and Ellie, have expressed their grief in a joint statement. They reminisced about the joy their children brought into their lives, with Spader describing Jackson as a kind and intuitive older brother and Millie as a sweet and charismatic younger sister. The fathers emphasized their commitment to honoring their children’s memories and expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support.
Speaking about the incident, Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle stated that no training could prepare them for the grim discovery they encountered. He highlighted the importance of community support and empathy in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Chief Doyle committed to enhancing mental health resources in the community, stating, “As Chief of Police, I’m committed to nurturing an environment where understanding and support are paramount, ensuring our officers are not just responders but compassionate members of the community ready to extend a helping hand. We’re dedicated to enhancing mental health resources and ensuring everyone knows they’re not alone.”