Note: The video accompanying this story is from February 2024.
FERGUSON, Mo. – One year ago, an early morning fire at a Ferguson home claimed the lives of a mother and her four young children.
The fire happened just before 4:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in the 400 block of North Clay Avenue. Inside the residence, firefighters recovered the bodies of Bernadine Pruessner, 39, and her four children: Ellie and Ivy Pruessner, 9-year-old twins; Jackson Spader, 6; and Millie Spader, 2. They’d died from smoke inhalation and the fire itself.
Within days, investigators determined Bernadine intentionally set a mattress on fire and identified that as the point of origin for the blaze. Bernadine left a note behind in her minivan, detailing intentions to take her life and the lives of her children.
While police never disclosed a motive, Missouri court records revealed Bernadine, known by her friends as Birdie, had been in an ongoing custody battle with an ex-husband who was the father of the two oldest children.
Jared Spader, the father of Jackson and Millie, released a statement to FOX 2 News on the one-year anniversary of their deaths.
These last 12 months have been the most heart-wrenching existence imaginable for all of us who loved – and will always love – Jack and Millie.
They were sources of warmth and beacons of light for everyone who had the privilege of being in their lives. No amount of time will decrease the weight of grief felt from their loss – a grief that is magnified by the way in which their innocent lives were taken by someone in whom they placed their utmost safety and trust.
That grief is ours to carry and we will do our best to continue forward in a way that will honor their short yet amazing lives. Thank you to so many who have reached out with caring words of support, offered acts of kindness, and shared precious memories of Jack and Millie.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal ideation, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support whenever it is needed.