A mass shooting near Billings, Montana left eight family members dead, including four children, when a relative opened fire during a Sunday dinner gathering. Police confirmed the suspect—44-year-old Alan Smith—killed his parents Dana Smith (73) and Barbara Smith (72), his younger sister, and four children: Landon Ghekiere (15), Charlotte Ghekiere (12), Owen Ireland (13), and Chloe Ireland (7).
The tragedy also claimed the life of Evelyn Smith, 92, the mother of Dana Smith described by interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell as the “family matriarch.”
Brad Ireland, ex-husband of Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, identified Smith as the suspect and noted he had lived in his parents’ home for years. Ireland described Smith as a “hermit,” adding that his parents had asked him to move out approximately two weeks earlier but he returned on Sunday to carry out a shooting spree.
According to police, Smith arrived at the scene around 5:49 p.m., just 11 minutes before neighbors reported hearing what they believed were fireworks. Law enforcement officers reached the home by approximately 6:10 p.m. and confronted Smith in the front yard where he retreated into the house.
Firefighters battled the blaze until Monday morning, with authorities noting the fire was difficult to extinguish due to the property being located outside Billings city limits on county land without mandatory fire hydrants.
Adam Ghekiere, the widower of Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, learned about the active shooting via police dispatch and raced to the scene. He stated his daughter Charlotte made a 911 call from inside the residence after the attack began.
“Monster isn’t even enough to describe what he did,” Ghekiere said, adding that he was informed of his family’s deaths two hours after arriving at the crime scene. A neighbor and family friend, Jennifer Mercer, praised Charlotte as the hero who dialed 911, noting she lived by her favorite quote: “I love you more.”
Brad Ireland stated, “There were many red flags, and many people spoke out. No one listened.” Police confirmed Smith died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the hospital.
GoFundMe campaigns for the victims have raised nearly $225,000 in support. Authorities have not yet determined the motive for the shooting.
