Incident Overview

On Sunday, Alan Smith, aged 44, committed a tragic act at a family gathering outside Billings, Montana. Authorities confirmed he killed eight relatives, including four children, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The assailant’s former brother-in-law, Brad Ireland, confirmed that Smith had been asked to leave his parents’ home. He returned unexpectedly and opened fire, killing his grandmother, parents, younger sister, and four children. He then set the house on fire.

Police arrived in response to the gunfire and flames. Investigators later verified the victims covered four generations of Smith’s family, from a seven-year-old girl to a great-grandmother in her 90s.

Background on Alan Smith

According to Ireland, Smith was a reclusive individual who spent most of his time on his computer. Although there were numerous warnings about his behavior, they were disregarded.

Despite attending Eastern Washington University, Smith struggled to secure employment. His criminal records in Montana and Washington showed no previous arrests or charges.

Smith lived with his parents for years before recently being asked to move out. He returned on Sunday evening when the family gathered for dinner, typically held on Fridays.

Ireland mentioned Smith had never been physically violent, although he was known for being verbally abusive.

Details of Victims

Ireland’s ex-wife, Megan Ghekiere, and their two children, Owen and Chloe Ireland, were among the victims. Megan’s other children with her current husband, Landon (15) and Charlotte Ghekiere (12), were also killed.

The family moved to Montana from Seattle following Ireland’s divorce from Megan. Her parents, Dana and Barb Smith, along with Dana’s mother, Evelyn Smith, followed soon after.

Adam Ghekiere, Megan’s current husband, was at work during the incident. He learned of the shooting through a dispatch radio and rushed home only to find it ablaze.

Community Response

Friends initiated GoFundMe campaigns for Adam Ghekiere and his former wife, Erica Schneider. Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor, described how the community lost “two of its brightest lights” due to this senseless violence.

Landon was remembered as a caring brother eager to obtain his driver’s license. Charlotte was described as curious and playful, constantly exploring nature.

Mercer set up a fundraiser, which has raised over $60,000 to cover funeral costs and support the family. Another campaign for Adam Ghekiere has raised over $90,000 for expenses related to the tragedy.

Organizer Michael Solberg highlighted Adam’s need for community support during his time of immense loss.

Donations will be used for funeral expenses, counseling, and other costs resulting from this devastating event.

Tragically, Charlotte Ghekiere had called 911 during the incident. Adam keeps hearing her saying “I love you more” every time he thinks of her.