Montana Man Kills Eight Relatives, Including Four Children, Before Turning Gun on Himself
A man in Billings, Montana, fatally shot eight relatives, including four children, before taking his own life, authorities said.
Authorities in Billings, Montana, are investigating a mass shooting that left nine people dead, including the perpetrator. Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell confirmed that a man fatally shot eight of his relatives—four of whom were children—before turning the gun on himself.
The incident unfolded in a residential area, and law enforcement responded to the scene on Wednesday. Sheriff O'Donnell provided initial details in a briefing, though the investigation remains ongoing. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and the motive behind the attack has not been established.
Officials have not indicated whether any prior warning signs were present, and no further information about the weapon used or the timeline of events has been made public at this stage. The community is reeling from the tragedy, which marks one of the deadliest domestic shootings in the state's recent history.
Sheriff O'Donnell said the investigation is in its early stages and that more details will be shared as they become available. The sheriff's office is working with local authorities to piece together the circumstances that led to the violence.