Bernadine Pruessner, 39; Ivy Pruessner, 9; Ellie Pruessner, 9; Jackson Spader; 6; and Millie Spader, 2,.Photo:Facebook
The father of two of the four children killed in aMissouri house fire that was deemed a murder-suicideis speaking out and called his children the “greatest gift” that he could’ve asked for.
“They were the two most beautiful souls that a father could ask for, and they were a gift to our lives in every way,” Jared Spader said of his children Jackson, 6, and Millie, 2, in a statement toFOX 2 Now.
Jackson and Millie Spader were killed along with their sisters Ivy and Ellie Pruessner, both 9, and their mother, Bernadine Pruessner, 39, who police say intentionally started the fire in their Ferguson home.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed this to be a murder/suicide,” the St. Louis County Police Department told PEOPLE in a statement. “It is believed that Bernadine intentionally set a mattress on fire as that was the point of origin for the fire. A note was also left stating Bernadine’s intentions to take her life and the lives of her children.”
In his statement to Fox 2 Now, Jared Spader said he was focused on honoring his children.
“Jackson was the most incredible older brother, kind, intuitive and gentle,” Spader said, per the outlet. “He loved his sisters, being outside, sports, art and he was always so in tune with the needs of others. Millie was a funny, charismatic, sweet, and kind little sister who brightened every moment of every day for all of us.”
Spader’s brother started aGoFundMeto raise money for a memorial service for children killed in the fire. It has raised nearly $50,000.
A service for the four children will be held Friday at a church in Chesterfield, Mo. Court records indicate that Bernadine had been engaged in custody battles with the two fathers of her children.
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The statement added that Bernadine had been a professor in early education.
source: people.com
