Hartland apartment fire: Wisconsin family of 6 found dead after blaze were shot, cops reveal
HARTLAND, WISCONSIN: Authorities have revealed that the Wisconsin family of six who were initially believed to have died in the Hartland apartment fire on Friday, October 21 had also suffered a single gunshot wound each.
The adult victims were identified as Connor McKisick and Jessica McKisick. Natalie Kleemeier, 14, a 12-year-old girl, and two 3-year-old twin boys were confirmed as the four child victims of the deadly fire. Connor McKisick, the father and stepfather to the four children, appeared to have died by suicide, Hartland Police Chief Torin Misko told NBC News.
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After the blaze at the apartment in 700 Mansfield Court, Chief Torin Misko reported on Friday that they are trying to determine whether the fire was started maliciously. Investigators have now found evidence of an ignitable liquid in the family's suburban Milwaukee apartment. Misko also reported that the twins were the sons of Connor and Jessica McKisick, who were also found deceased in the incident.
"This is a tragic incident for the family of the deceased, our first responders and the Hartland community," Misko said. He described the family as "blended" and said it was a "step-family-type situation." The deaths "remain an active investigation as police confirm whether the family died in the fire or from the gunshots. We ask that the community respect the privacy of the families,” Chief Misko added.
The blaze was reported at 5.11 am on Friday at the four-family apartment building. At least 15 fire departments and nine police departments were reported to the scene, according to CBS 58. First responders rescuing residents from the building were met with "a large amount of fire," Misko said last week. Meanwhile, Natalie Kleemeier's school paid tribute to the 14-year-old, sharing a letter sent to families Sunday evening with FOX6 News. "It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Arrowhead Freshman Natalie Kleemeier died in relation to the Hartland apartment fire in the early morning hours of October 21, 2022," the letter said. Around 20 residents gathered for a vigil at Nixon Park on Friday evening, October 21, to pay tribute to the victims.