A 44-year-old man allegedly killed eight members of his family, including four children, during a family gathering in Billings, Montana, United States.
Police responded to the home on Sunday, August 23, after receiving reports of gunfire. Officers reportedly heard shots coming from the rear of the house shortly before the building was engulfed in flames.
Investigators confirmed on Tuesday, August 25, that eight people had been killed in the incident. The suspected gunman also suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died.
Among the victims were the suspect’s parents, his former sister-in-law Megan Ghekiere, and her two children, 13-year-old Owen Ireland and seven-year-old Chloe Ireland.
Megan’s two stepchildren with her current husband, Adam Ghekiere, were also killed. They were identified as 15-year-old Landon Ghekiere and 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere.
The suspect was identified by Megan’s former husband, Brad Ireland, as 44-year-old Alan Smith.
According to Ireland, Smith’s parents had recently asked him to move out of the family home. He allegedly returned on Sunday and opened fire.
A neighbour, Jennifer Mercer, said 12-year-old Charlotte tried to save her family after calling 911.
“Charlotte was the hero. Charlotte called 911 and she tried to save her family.”
Ireland described Smith as a reclusive person who spent most of his time alone in his room using a computer.
Another relative, Ben, said there had been warning signs before the tragedy.
“There were many red flags and many people spoke out. No one listened.”
Adam Ghekiere, who works at the Billings airport, said he heard about an active shooting over a dispatch radio and immediately tried calling members of his family before rushing to the house.
By the time he arrived, the property was already on fire. He later learned that his wife and children had been among those killed.
Ghekiere said his children were not normally expected to be at the gathering because the family’s dinner was usually held on Fridays.
Referring to Smith, he said:
“Monster isn’t even enough to describe what he did.”
Billings Police Sgt. Jeff Stovall offered condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy but said authorities were withholding some details to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The fire also caused significant damage to the house, with investigators facing challenges because of concerns about the structural stability of the building.
Friends of the victims have reportedly established GoFundMe campaigns to support Adam Ghekiere and Erica Schneider as the families cope with the devastating loss.