Alan Smith Montana Shooting: Eight Family Members Killed in Tragic Billings Mass Shooting
BILLINGS, Mont. — A devastating family shooting in Billings, Montana, has left eight relatives dead, including four children, after authorities say 44-year-old Alan Smith opened fire inside a family home before the residence was engulfed in flames. Smith later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening, August 23, 2026, at a home on White Star Circle outside Billings. Police received an emergency call shortly after 6 p.m. reporting an active shooter. The first officer arrived at approximately 6:12 p.m. and reported hearing gunshots coming from the rear of the home.
Four generations among the victims
The victims represented four generations of the same blended family, with ages ranging from a young child to a woman in her 90s.
Authorities identified the victims as Dana Smith, 73; Barbara Smith, 72; Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, 39; Evelyn Smith, 92; Landon Ghekiere, 15; Charlotte Ghekiere, 12; Owen Ireland, 13; and Chloe Ireland, 7.
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The family had gathered for a Sunday dinner when the violence occurred.
Alan Smith identified as suspect
Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell identified Alan Smith, 44, as the suspect. Smith was the son of Dana and Barbara Smith and had previously lived at the residence but was no longer living there at the time of the shooting.
According to surviving relatives, Smith had been asked to leave the home several weeks before the shooting. Investigators have not announced a definitive motive, and authorities have cautioned that the investigation is still ongoing.
Young victim reportedly called 911
One of the most heartbreaking details to emerge from the investigation involves 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere.
A family friend said Charlotte attempted to call 911 during the attack in an effort to get help for her family. She has subsequently been remembered by those close to the family for trying to save others during the violence.
Police confrontation followed by house fire
When officers arrived, they encountered Smith outside the home. According to authorities, he retreated into the residence after police confronted him.
Officers then heard additional gunfire and saw smoke coming from the house. Smith eventually exited through the back of the residence and fatally shot himself, authorities said. He was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead.
Multiple fires were reported inside the residence, which became heavily damaged and ultimately burned down. The extensive fire has made the investigation more difficult because detectives must carefully search the charred remains for evidence.
Investigators searching for answers
Authorities continue to examine the remains of the home and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Because Smith also died, investigators may never receive answers directly from the person authorities believe carried out the attack. Sheriff O’Donnell said the investigation is expected to raise many unanswered questions.
Police have also emphasized that the incident was a family-related shooting, correcting rumors circulating online about the residence and relationships between the victims and suspect.
Community mourns devastating loss
The deaths have deeply affected the Billings community. A memorial featuring flowers, photographs, stuffed animals and handwritten messages has been established near the home.
Friends and neighbors have described the family as close-knit and are working to support surviving relatives through the aftermath of the tragedy.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to process evidence from the burned property while working to establish a complete timeline and understand what led to the attack.
This remains a developing story. Further details may be released as investigators continue their examination of the scene and authorities provide additional updates.
