Missouri Professor and Four Children Die in Suspicious House Fire

Authorities investigate potential criminal activity as the community mourns the loss of a respected educator and her young children.

A Missouri college professor, Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, and her four children were found dead after a house fire in Ferguson, deemed 'suspicious' by authorities.
The fire occurred early Monday morning, killing Pruessner, her 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy, 5-year-old Jackson, and 2-year-old Millie, along with three family dogs.
Evidence of criminal activity has been found at the scene, prompting a thorough investigation by St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson detectives.
Bernadine Pruessner was an assistant professor in the child development department at Lewis & Clark Community College and was close to receiving her doctorate in early childhood education.
Community members and colleagues mourn the loss, describing Pruessner as a beloved educator and a wonderful person who contributed significantly to her field.