Montana investigators comb charred home after eight family members killed

Investigators in Billings, Montana, are meticulously sifting through the debris of a suburban home where eight family members were killed during a Sunday dinner gathering. The painstaking search is aimed at uncovering evidence that could explain the tragedy.

Authorities say 44-year-old Alan Smith fatally shot his grandmother, parents, younger sister, and her children before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police arrived. Multiple fires were set inside the residence on the outskirts of the city. Smith had lived in the home until being asked to leave weeks earlier.

Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell acknowledged that some questions may remain unanswered. "There's many questions that will come from this investigation," he said. "Some of those questions we probably won't ever be able to answer, because all the parties that will have those answers are not here to answer them for us."

The victims include Owen and Chloe Ireland, along with their stepsiblings, Landon and Charlotte Ghekiere. Owen, 13, was remembered as a protective older brother. Landon, 15, had planned to get his driver's license this week, and Charlotte, 12, had a deep love for nature and insects.

The attack occurred at the home of Smith's parents, Dana and Barb Smith. The family had relocated from the Seattle area. Brad Ireland, father of Owen and Chloe, said his ex-wife Megan moved to Montana with their children six years ago, where she later married Adam Ghekiere, who was at work during the incident. Megan's parents followed, buying a home nearby, and her brother moved in with them.

Police had no prior contact with Alan Smith, according to the sheriff. The eighth victim was 92-year-old Evelyn Smith, Dana's mother, who used a wheelchair and lived in a nearby retirement community.

The timeline began at 5:49 p.m. Sunday when Smith appeared in the neighborhood. Just after 6 p.m., a female inside the home called 911. A family friend identified the caller as 12-year-old Charlotte, saying she tried to save her family. When officers arrived, they confronted Smith, who ran back inside. Gunfire and smoke were observed, and Smith then fled to the backyard where he shot himself.

The home was quickly consumed by flames. Because the neighborhood relies on wells and lacks fire hydrants, firefighters had to truck in water. Autopsies are ongoing.

Investigators have recovered weapons but have not detailed them. While they have "some idea" of a possible motive, Sheriff O'Donnell said the focus remains on the crime scene, noting, "Some of this is the family's story to tell."

Brad Ireland described Smith as a "hermit" who spent most of his time on the computer, noting there were "many red flags" that went unheeded. Smith had attended Eastern Washington University but struggled to find steady employment.

A makeshift memorial has grown at the neighborhood mailboxes, with teddy bears, photos, flowers, and messages. Among the items recovered from the home were a largely intact photo album and a family Bible that survived nearly unscathed. Neighbors have been providing food and water to the investigators.

Billings Mayor Mike Nelson acknowledged the city's collective grief. "There was shock at first and now there are people who are deeply upset, and they should be," he said. "We'll come together and we'll support the family."