A serious incident has shaken the city of Billings, Montana, USA, where a 44-year-old man killed eight members of his family, including four children. Police arrived at the residence after receiving a report of shots fired. Law enforcement heard gunshots coming from the back of the house, which was later completely engulfed in flames.
The suspect, Alan Smith, had been living with his parents at the apartment, but according to family members, they had asked him to leave several weeks ago. However, he returned on Sunday, when the family gathered for their weekly dinner.
Among the victims were Owen Ireland, 13, Chloe Ireland, 7, as well as Landon Ghekiere, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12. The victims included four generations of the same family, from a great-grandmother in her 90s, who used a wheelchair, to a girl just 7 years old.
Investigators confirmed eight victims and said Smith had also shot himself. The fire completely destroyed the apartment, making it difficult for investigators to work. Firefighters continued to fight the flames until about 1 a.m. Monday morning.
Family members described Charlotte as a hero after she called 911 and tried to get help for her family. The family was originally from the Seattle area and had moved to Montana several years ago. Alan Smith had lived with his parents for years, and family members said he was a reclusive person who spent most of his time in his room in front of his computer.