A house fire that ripped through a Missouri home, killing a mother and her four children, is now thought to be a murder-suicide. Bernadine "Birdie" Pruessner, 39, and her children, 2-year-old Millie, 6-year-old Jackson, and 9-year-old twin girls Ellie and Ivy, were killed in a fire on February 19 at their home in Ferguson, a suburb of St. Louis. The mother of four reportedly set a mattress on fire intentionally, which ultimately set the entire house ablaze.
In a statement to People, St. Louis County Police reported that they found a note from Pruessner at the scene, confirming she intended to kill herself and her children. Today, the children's fathers are grappling with the tragic loss and wondering how life will ever be the same.
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The fire was deemed suspicious from the beginning.
The fire broke out at a home in the 400 block of North Clay Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Monday, KTVI reported. When firefighting crews arrived, they were met with thick black smoke and flames blazing through broken windows on the second floor. Per the news outlet, investigators said Monday afternoon that the circumstances were suspicious and they suspected criminal activity.
"We don't really know the circumstances of what occurred here, but we are investigating," said Sgt. Tracy Panus, St. Louis County Police representative.
The children's fathers made a joint statement about the tragic fire.
KSDK obtained a statement from Jackson and Millie's father, Jared Spader, and David Pruessner, Elie and Ivy's father.
"As dads, right now we have to focus on honoring the four beautiful lives, and we plan to do that together. Our thanks go out to the community, people we know and many we have never even met, who have shown us incredible amounts of support. We will continue to need it," the statement reads.
Nathan Cohen, an attorney who recently worked with Pruessner, also shared a statement with KSDK on behalf of her family.
"Tragically, the life of a wonderful mother and a brilliant educator, and her four beautiful children were lost this week. (Her family wants) to share with you that their daughter was happy, enjoyed life (and) was a success in all of her endeavors including her career as a professor in early education," Cohen's statement reads. "She excelled most in her compassion and care for her children. Birdie lived for her children and focused only on their happiness."
The mother was reportedly embroiled in a legal battle with her children's fathers, and "Birdie got to an awful place," the statement noted.
Pruessner was reportedly a decorated educator.
A GoFundMe page established to help with final expenses described her as a celebrated teacher.
"Birdie was an esteemed educator who generously shared her expertise with various educational institutions across the St. Louis region, spanning both Missouri and Illinois. Her dedication to teaching shone brightly when she was recognized with the prestigious Missouri Teacher of the Year Award in 2013 by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence," the page reads. "Beyond her achievements in the classroom, Birdie also made significant contributions as a published author, penning a book on Montessori education titled 'Making it Montessori.' Furthermore, she served as a respected professor at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, IL."
The mother made an ominous social media post hours before the fatal blaze.
She wrote on Facebook at 11:14 p.m., "All my kids, peacefully sleeping in my bed. Curled up together. Knowing they are loved so fiercely that I'd do absolutely anything for them. This is my favorite moment."
Less than five hours later, the family and their three dogs were all dead.
"Knowing that this was one of your last thoughts before bed gives me peace. I can't believe you're gone!" someone commented. "The world has lost such a sweet and beautiful light in you and your children. May you forever live on in your happy place and walk with Jesus."
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An update to the GoFundMe account alludes to personal problems.
Brittany Perschbacher, the deceased mother's friend, created the GoFundMe account, which has brought in $12,000 of a $15,000 goal thus far. The friend claimed Pruessner got to such a dark place because of emotional abuse at the hands of her ex-husband and former boyfriend.
"We hope that even those who think they have it handled understand that they are not immune from suffering and doubt. We are grateful for all the outreach from this community, law enforcement and First Responders. We have been lifted by the messages of Birdie's friends, her community and everyone who knew her," Perschbacher wrote.
"We are especially grateful for the GoFundMe account and all efforts to assist us in this tragic loss," she continued. "We will never get our daughter back. We will never see our grandchildren again. But if this tragedy could direct people to seek help in times of anguish and crisis, then perhaps Birdie's life and not her death will stand for something."
The incident remains under investigation.
