A Fatal Sunday Gathering

A man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, during a Sunday dinner at a home in Billings, Montana, before taking his own life, a spokesperson for the family told The Associated Press.

Jennifer Mercer, who set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses and was authorized to release details, identified the victims as representing four generations of a blended family, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl. Some reports described the great-grandmother as being in a wheelchair and aged 92.

Police said they responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames. They confirmed multiple fatalities, including one person with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators confirmed on Tuesday that there had been eight victims, including four children, and that one person had suffered a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Shooter and Motive

Brad Ireland, whose ex-wife and two children were among the dead, identified the shooter as Alan Smith, 44. Ireland said that Smith had been told to move out of the home shortly before the shooting. Some reports described the move as forced by Smith's parents, who were also among the victims. Reports cited Ireland as saying Smith had been asked to move out but returned on Sunday and opened fire.

A separate report by WEAU stated that Smith had been forced to move out weeks before, returned and opened fire. Ireland told WEAU that he had been briefed by investigators who said Smith shot himself.

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 stepchildren with her current husband: Landon Ghekiere, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12.

A report by the family spokesperson, Jennifer Mercer, described Charlotte as a hero, saying, "Charlotte called 9-1-1 and she tried to save her family."

Ireland described Smith as a "hermit" who spent most of his days in his room on his computer. He said Smith had attended Eastern Washington University but had been unable to find or hold a job. A search of criminal records in Montana and Washington found no record that Smith had ever been arrested or charged with a crime. Ireland said that to his knowledge Smith had never been violent, though he could be verbally abusive.

Investigations and Community Response

The investigation is complicated by the extensive fire damage, which destroyed much of the residence, according to reports that referenced authorities. Firefighters were unable to immediately access portions of the scene while law enforcement worked to secure the property.

Neighbor David Hiller, who lives three doors down, said he heard what he thought were fireworks just after 6 p.m. on Sunday. Hiller told reporters that he initially dismissed the sounds until another neighbor called to warn him about a shooting on the cul-de-sac. He then rushed outside to find police in tactical gear sheltering behind vehicles, some with long guns, while plumes of black smoke rose from the home.

Investigators have released few details about what may have led to the violence, and authorities have not publicly discussed a possible motive. A fundraising effort was established to assist surviving family members with funeral costs and related expenses.

Mercer described the family as "very loving and close," with children who all got along and parents who remained amicable even after divorcing. She said, "I feel like our entire community is devastated, even people that never knew any of them." Ireland said, "There were many red flags and many people spoke out. No one listened."