'TRAGIC MURDER/SUICIDE LOSS': 6 found dead in South Dakota house fire were fatally shot — with 1 death believed to be suicide: officials

The deaths of Nicole Westerhuis and children Kailey, Jaeci, Connor and Michael have been ruled homicides, the statement said. The manner of death for Scott Westerhuis, Nicole Westerhuis' husband, is suspected suicide, it said.

The six members of a South Dakota family found dead in the ruins of their burned home were fatally shot, with one death believed to be a suicide, authorities said Monday.

The office of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued a statement Monday night saying preliminary autopsy results show all six members of the Westerhuis family died of shotgun wounds.

The deaths of Nicole Westerhuis and children Kailey, Jaeci, Connor and Michael have been ruled homicides, the statement said. The manner of death for Scott Westerhuis, Nicole Westerhuis' husband, is suspected suicide, it said.

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