Man kills eight relatives including four children in Billings

A man killed eight relatives, including four children, in a Sunday dinner shooting at a home in Billings, Montana, police said, before taking his own life. Authorities said they responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots just before the house was engulfed in flames, with multiple fatalities confirmed. Police said the suspect was found outside the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died.

According to Jennifer Mercer, who was authorized to release details, the victims represented four generations of a blended family, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl.

Mercer identified the victims as Megan Ghekiere, four children, Landon Ghekiere, Charlotte Ghekiere, Chloe Ireland, and Owen Ireland, and also named Barb and Dana Smith and grandmother Evelyn Smith. Investigators said the violence stemmed from a family disturbance and was not a random attack.

Neighbor David Hiller said he heard what he thought were fireworks shortly after 6pm on Sunday and only later learned about the shooting. Hiller told reporters he saw police in tactical gear sheltering behind cars as plumes of black smoke rose from the home.

Montana outlet KULR characterized the case as a family disturbance, according to the Guardian. Police said they have not released the names or ages of those killed. Relatives described Landon, 15, as preparing to begin his sophomore year at Billings Senior High School and as a fan of paddleboarding who helped start the wrestling program.

Family members said Charlotte, 12, was preparing to start seventh grade and called 911 during the shooting.

Family members said Megan, who was at her parents home for a family dinner, worked at Intermountain Health and was active at Faith Chapel. Relatives said Megan’s children Chloe, 7, and Owen, 13, were also at the home, with Chloe preparing to enroll in second grade and Owen preparing to start eighth grade. The Billings fire chief said firefighters had to wait until officers secured the scene and faced water access challenges, while the fire conditions worsened.