"Tragic House Fires: Examining the Heartbreaking Cases of Maternal Filicide"

A former Missouri teacher of the year, Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, intentionally started a "suspicious" fire that killed her four young children, according to police. The fire, ruled a murder-suicide, was believed to have been started by igniting a mattress, and a note was found stating her intentions. Pruessner was in a bitter custody dispute with her ex-husband and ex-boyfriend at the time of her death, and was reportedly struggling with ongoing litigation. Her children's fathers expressed devastation and gratitude for community support.