Ellie Pruessner

Five hours before the fire, Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, 39, wrote a post on Facebook about the four kids: 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy Pruessner; Jackson Spader, 6; and Millie Spader, 2. “All my kids, peacefully sleeping in my bed,” the mother wrote. “Curled up together. Knowing they are loved so fiercely that I’d do absolutely anything for them. My favorite moment.” Court documents show Pruessner had contentious child custody battles with the two fathers of her kids, especially in the months before her death.

Read full story

Died

Feb. 19, 2024

Type

Arson

Age

9 years old

Gender

Female

Where

510 North Clay Avenue,
Ferguson,
St. Louis County