Former teacher of the year started ‘suspicious’ fire that killed her 4 young kids

Birdie Pruessner (center) and her four kids all died in a house fire on Monday

Us against the world. I’m so blessed to be their mama. They have a heart for the lord and have overcome so much more in their little lives than they should have had to face

FERGUSON — Police confirmed on Wednesday that the tragic fire claiming the lives of a woman and her four children earlier this week was a result of a murder-suicide.

Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, 39, was identified by St. Louis County police as the perpetrator, having set a mattress ablaze in her Ferguson residence. Authorities stated that she left a note in her minivan expressing her intent to end her life and the lives of her children.

Pruessner and her four young children were discovered deceased on Monday following the outbreak of the fire at their home on North Clay Avenue around 4 a.m. The cause of death for all was determined to be smoke inhalation.

The fire started around 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

The fire is believed to have stemmed from a mattress that Pruessner purposely ignited

Just five hours prior to the tragic incident, Pruessner had shared a heartfelt post on Facebook about her children: 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy Pruessner, Jackson Spader, 6, and Millie Spader, 2. She wrote, “All my kids, peacefully sleeping in my bed. Curled up together. Knowing they are loved so fiercely that I’d do absolutely anything for them. My favorite moment.”

Court records revealed that Pruessner had been embroiled in contentious child custody disputes with the fathers of her children, particularly in the months leading up to her death.

Her attorney, Nathan Cohen, disclosed that the most recent legal battle, ongoing at the time of Pruessner's demise, revolved around her relocation to a residence in Creve Coeur approximately six months prior. This move, aimed at proximity to the twins’ school and their fathers, was met with opposition from the fathers. The twins attended Mason Ridge Elementary School as fourth-graders.

Despite the relocation, Pruessner and her children frequently spent time at the vacant Ferguson home to tend to her animals and urban farm, Cohen added.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, Pruessner’s family acknowledged her descent into a dark place, attributing it to the relentless legal battles instigated by the fathers of her children.

Jared Spader, father of Pruessner’s youngest children, also released a statement, reminiscing fondly about his children and expressing profound grief over their loss.

Pruessner, an assistant professor at Lewis & Clark Community College, had posted on Facebook in the days preceding the fire, celebrating her children’s resilience in overcoming challenges.

Her relationship history, marked by a failed marriage with David Pruessner and subsequent partnership with Jared Spader, was tumultuous, as indicated in court documents and statements from her attorney.

The custody disputes intensified following her separation from Spader, with allegations of collusion between the fathers against her. Despite legal victories, Pruessner faced continued resistance to her relocation plans, which were set to be adjudicated in March.

David Pruessner, unreachable for comment, remained steadfast in his objections to the relocation, setting the stage for further legal confrontation.