Eight family members killed in Montana home shooting and fire, suspect dies by self-inflicted wound

Police say a 44-year-old man entered a home outside Billings on Sunday evening, opened fire on family members gathered for dinner and then ignited a blaze that consumed the house. Eight people were found dead, including four children ranging from a 7-year-old girl to a great-grandmother in her 90s who used a wheelchair. The suspect later suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died, according to investigators.

Billings Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Jeff Stovall expressed condolences, saying the department’s thoughts are with the families and the community. Firefighters battled the fire until about 1 a.m. Monday, but the structure was heavily damaged, complicating the investigation.

Neighbors identified the victims as members of a blended family: the deceased included the shooter’s parents, his grandmother, and the ex-wife and children of Brad Ireland, who had previously divorced Megan Ghekiere. The children killed were Owen Ireland, 13; Chloe Ireland, 7; Landon Ghekiere, 15; and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12. Charlotte is reported to have dialed 911 from inside the home before the fire spread.

The shooter, identified as Alan Smith, had been asked by his parents to move out weeks earlier. He returned to the residence on Sunday, authorities said, and carried out the attack. No prior criminal record was found for Smith, and relatives described him as reclusive.

Community members have launched fundraising campaigns to support surviving relatives, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the families of the victims.