Details emerge of a tragic incident in Montana where a young girl is hailed as a hero after a family gathering turned deadly. Authorities report that a shooting and fire claimed the lives of multiple family members at a home near Billings.
A family member informed The Associated Press that Alan Smith, aged 44, was responsible for killing eight relatives, including four children, during a Sunday dinner at the family’s home. Brad Ireland, whose former wife and two children were among the deceased, identified the shooter as Smith, who was asked by his parents to move out weeks earlier.
The victims ranged in age from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl, Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor and family friend, revealed. Mercer set up an online fundraiser for the funeral expenses and received approval to disclose details. The local police reported hearing gunshots before the house was engulfed in flames on Sunday evening.
Confirmation came on Tuesday that there were eight victims, including four children, and that the suspect suffered a fatal self-inflicted wound. The investigation faces challenges due to concerns about the structural integrity of the house, burned to its foundation, stated Jeff Stovall from Billings Police Department.
Sgt. Jeff Stovall expressed condolences to those impacted: “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those affected during this difficult time.”
Firefighters battled the blaze until around 1 a.m. Monday, but efforts were delayed due to the lack of fire hydrants in the subdivision outside city limits. Among the deceased were Brad Ireland’s ex-wife, Megan Ghekiere, their two children, Owen and Chloe, as well as Ghekiere’s stepchildren, Landon and Charlotte.
“Charlotte was the hero,” Mercer shared, noting that Charlotte made a 911 call and attempted to save her family. Charlotte and Landon were preparing to start new school years soon, reported CBS affiliate KTVQ. Mercer described the family as “loving and close,” highlighting their amicable relations post-divorce and community impact.
The Smith family originated from the Seattle area. After Brad Ireland separated from Megan Ghekiere six years ago, she relocated to Montana with their children. Megan later remarried Adam Ghekiere, who was elsewhere during the incident. Her parents moved nearby, purchasing a home in Billings.
Alan Smith lived with his parents in Montana until recently, returning unexpectedly on Sunday to commit the tragic act. Brad Ireland, who resides in Arizona, noted prior warning signs going unheeded. Smith, characterized as a “hermit,” spent most time secluded, often on his computer.
Fundraising efforts through GoFundMe have raised substantial amounts for the affected families, with Adam Ghekiere’s family support reaching nearly $100,000. Landon and Charlotte’s fundraising has garnered over $60,000. Adam Ghekiere recalled discovering the tragedy after hearing a dispatch radio about an active shooter and a blazing home.
Police affirmed Charlotte was the one who dialed 911 during the incident. Ghekiere shared a poignant memory of his daughter’s affectionate response: “I love you more,” every time he said “I love you.”
Data from a AP and USA Today database, managed by criminologist James Alan Fox, indicates this incident as the 22nd mass killing in the U.S. this year, with the majority originating from domestic conflicts. The Montana case marks the deadliest since a prior April tragedy in Louisiana.