A man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, at a Sunday dinner in Billings, Montana. The victims were a blended family from four generations, with a great-grandmother in her 90s and a 7-year-old girl.
Family Member Describes the Shooting
According to Brad Ireland, a family member who was briefed by investigators, 44-year-old Alan Smith shot and killed his grandmother, his parents, his younger sister, and four children before setting the house on fire. Ireland identified the shooter as Smith, who had been asked to move out of the family home just weeks earlier.
The Victims
Among those killed were Ireland's ex-wife, Megan Ghekiere, and their two children, Owen Ireland, 13, and Chloe Ireland, 7. Also killed were Ghekiere's two step-children with her current husband: Landon Ghekiere, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12. Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor and family friend, described the family as "very loving and close."
Background on the Suspect
Alan Smith had lived with his parents for years before being asked to move out. He had spent most of his days in his room on his computer, and no one knew what he did in there. A search of criminal records in Montana and Washington found no record of Smith being arrested or charged with a crime. Ireland said that to his knowledge, Smith had never been violent, though he could be verbally abusive.
Reaction from the Community
The community is devastated, with many people who never knew any of the victims expressing their shock and sadness. Jennifer Mercer set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. She described Charlotte, who called 9-1-1 and tried to save her family, as the "hero."
Investigation Continues
Police responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back. They found eight victims, including four children, and confirmed that the suspect had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died. The investigation is ongoing, and police are still piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
Source: Joy Online
