What to Know
A blended family in Montana is grieving the loss of eight people following a horrific murder-suicide. Dana and Barb Smith reportedly asked their 44-year-old son, Alan Smith, to move out of their home in Billings days before he returned to the home and reportedly did the unthinkable.
Smith shot and killed his parents, his wheelchair bound grandmother, Evelyn Smith, his sister Meghan Ghekiere, 15-year-old Landon Ghekiere, 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere, 13-year-old Owen Ireland, and 7-year-old Chloe Ireland before setting the home on fire and turning the gun on himself. The tragedy left families broken and an entire community rallying to support the survivors.
Charlotte Ghekiere attempted to save her family.
The family reportedly gathered at the Smiths’ home on August 23, 2026, for a big family dinner. Alan Smith allegedly showed up at the home after being asked to move out and opened fire. NBC News reported Charlotte Ghekiere called 911 hoping to save her family. Neighbor Jennifer Mercer told the news outlet the little girl did an incredibly brave thing.
“The one thing we do know is that Charlotte was the hero,” Mercer said. “Charlotte called 911, and she tried to save her family. And that’s something the family does want out there.”
The victim’s husband heard about the tragedy while at work.
By the time emergency responders arrived at the home, the building was ablaze. Adam Ghekiere, Meghan’s husband, works as an airport rescue firefighter and heard the dispatch call on his radio. He quickly realized it was close to his in-law’s home. He told the U.S. Sun he tried to contact his wife and children, but could not get through.
“By the time we got to the house, they wouldn’t let us get any closer because it was still under an active shooter status. I feared the worst right then,” he said.
The community created multiple fundraisers to help the victims’ families.
The four children and four adults killed in the horrific murder-suicide represented different branches of a blended family tree. Loved ones created separate GoFundMe accounts to help survivors with final expenses.
Greg Ireland shared a fundraiser for his brother, Brad Ireland, Chloe and Owen’s father.
“Right now, we are in a period of unspeakable loss and grief, and we are wondering, as the Psalmist did, if the Lord has forgotten to be gracious… We know He will wipe away our tears, but find ourselves asking, ‘how long Lord, how long?’” He wrote.
A GoFundMe for Adam Ghekiere shares a similar sentiment. “No amount of money can lessen this loss. Not even close. Our hope is simply to give Adam the time and financial security to grieve without having to worry about returning to work or paying the bills,” it reads.
“These two precious children leave behind a hole that is impossible to comprehend, along with a family facing unimaginable grief. While none of us can take away the pain this family is experiencing, we can help ease one burden they should not have to carry right now: the financial cost of saying goodbye,” a fundraiser for Landon and Charlotte’s mother, Erica Schneider, reads.
Police continue to piece the situation together.
The Billings Police Department shared that the tragedy remains under investigation. Officials shared condolences with the entire community as they move forward.
“First and foremost, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We also recognize the profound impact this incident has had on our entire community. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time,” police shared.
They also thanked the community for the outpouring of love for first responders.
“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from our community. Community members and local organizations have provided food, beverages, and other support to the first responders and investigators who continue to work long hours at this complex crime scene. Those acts of kindness and support are sincerely appreciated.”
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