Jared Spader: Grieving father mourns loss of his ‘wonderful children’ killed by mother in house fire

FERGUSON, MISSOURI: Jared Spader shared a deeply heartbreaking message regarding the death of his children, 5-year-old Jackson Spader and 2-year-old Millie Spader. 

They tragically lost their lives in a fire that also claimed the lives of their mother, Bernadine 'Birdie' Pruessner, and two older siblings, 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy Pruessner. 

The devastating incident occurred at their home in Ferguson on Monday, February 22, 2024 as per New York Post.

Jared Spader expressed that his children were the most precious blessings in his life. The initial investigation indicated that the incident was a murder-suicide, with the mother intentionally starting the fire.

What did Jared Spader say?

Police called the tragic incident a murder-suicide where Missouri teacher Bernadine Prusessner set the house ablaze which led to her death and the deaths of her four children.

The father of two younger children who died in the fire stated, "What I would want everyone to know about my two wonderful children is they are the greatest gift that a father could ever ask for." 

He went on to describe how incredible his son Jackson was, saying, "Jackson was the most incredible older brother, kind, intuitive and gentle. He loved his sisters, being outside, sports, art, and he was always so in tune with the needs of others." 

Then, he talked about his daughter Millie, saying, "Millie was a funny, charismatic, sweet, and kind little sister who brightened every moment of every day for all of us. They were the two most beautiful souls that a father could ask for, and they were a gift to our lives in every way." 

Spader mentioned that he and the dead twins' father, David Pruessner, "have to focus on honoring these four beautiful lives and we plan to do that together".

What did St Louis County Police Department report?

The St Louis County Police Department said the fire, first thought to be suspicious, was actually a murder-suicide.

They believe Bernadine deliberately set a mattress on fire, which started the blaze. 

A note was found where Bernadine wrote about her plan to end her life and the lives of her children, but the police didn't share what it said. 

Bernadine also wrote on social media about cherishing moments with her children and feeling blessed to be their mother. She had plans to take them to a soccer game and a reptile show.

According to a GoFundMe statement from her loved ones, Bernadine was struggling because of ongoing legal issues with her ex-husband and her ex-boyfriend, Jared Spader. Her ex-husband, David Pruessner, didn't want her to move closer to her mother, who he thought was unstable. 

Her lawyer mentioned it was unusual for a parent to object to the other moving closer to her family. Bernadine's family said she felt frustrated by how her children were being used in the legal process.

Despite her personal struggles, Bernadine was recognized for her teaching skills and received the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award in 2013.