FERGUSON, Mo. – The father of the two youngest children killed in Monday’s house fire in Ferguson released a statement after authorities determined the kids and their siblings were the victims of a murder-suicide.

Ellie and Ivy Pruessner, 9, Jackson Spader, 6, and Millie Spader, 2, died after their mother, Bernadine Pruessner, 39, set fire to their home in the 400 block of North Clay Avenue just before 4:30 a.m. Monday. 

Bernadine and the kids all died from smoke inhalation and the fire.

Homicide detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department said Bernadine intentionally set a mattress on fire. Bernadine left a note behind stating her intentions to take her life and the lives of her children, investigators said.

Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the mother’s actions.

In a statement Wednesday, Jared Spader, the father of Jackson and Millie, said his children were “the two most beautiful souls that a father could ask for” and that he and Ellie and Ivy’s father would work together to honor their lives.

What I would want everyone to know about my two wonderful children is they are the greatest gift that a father could ever ask for.

Jackson was the most incredible older brother, kind, intuitive and gentle. He loved his sisters, being outside, sports, art, and he was always so in tune with the needs of others.

Millie was a funny, charismatic, sweet, and kind little sister who brightened every moment of every day for all of us. They were the two most beautiful souls that a father could ask for, and they were a gift to our lives in every way.

As dads right now, we have to focus on honoring these four beautiful lives and we plan to do that together. Our thanks go out to the community, people we know, and many we have never even met, who have shown us incredible amounts of support. We will continue to need it.

Jared Spader, father of Jackson and Millie Spader

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.