BILLINGS, Mont. — Authorities have identified 44-year-old Alan Smith as the man accused of killing eight members of his family, including four children, during a deadly shooting at a Billings home on Sunday evening, August 23, 2026.
The shooting occurred at a residence on 315 White Star Circle in Billings’ West End.
Investigators have described the incident as a family disturbance, emphasizing that it was not a random act of violence.
According to relatives, Smith was living at the residence with his parents and had reportedly been asked to move out. However, authorities have not confirmed that the disagreement was the motive for the shooting, and investigators continue to examine what led to the violence.
Family members have identified the eight victims as relatives spanning several generations.
The victims included four children, three adults and an elderly woman, according to information provided by relatives.
The deceased included:
- Megan Ghekiere — Smith’s younger sister.
- Landon Ghekiere, 15 — Megan’s stepchild.
- Charlotte Ghekiere, 12 — Megan’s stepchild.
- Owen Ireland, 13 — Megan’s biological child.
- Chloe Ireland, 7 — Megan’s biological child.
- Evelyn Smith, 92 — Smith’s grandmother, who was reportedly wheelchair-bound.
- Dana Smith — Smith’s father.
- Barbara “Barb” Smith — Smith’s mother.
The deaths devastated a blended family that reportedly included four generations, from 7-year-old Chloe to 92-year-old Evelyn.
The victims’ family connections also include Adam Ghekiere, an airport rescue firefighter and the father of Landon and Charlotte. He was reportedly not at the residence when the shooting occurred.
The deadly incident began shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday, when authorities received a 911 call reporting gunshots at the White Star Circle residence.
Officials said gunfire could be heard in the background of the emergency call. Officers responded to the neighborhood and encountered additional gunfire as they approached the property.
Smith was subsequently found outside the residence with what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
A fire also broke out at the residence while police were responding to the shooting.
Firefighters faced dangerous conditions because of reports of gunfire, preventing them from immediately entering the property or conducting normal firefighting operations.
The residence was ultimately destroyed by the blaze.
The firefighting response was further complicated by the lack of nearby fire hydrants. Crews had to transport water to the scene using fire apparatus while working to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.
Once the area was secured, investigators were able to begin examining the property and assessing the extent of the tragedy.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said its preliminary investigation indicates the incident began as a family disturbance involving people who knew one another.
Authorities have not characterized the shooting as a random attack and said there is no continuing threat to the public.
Investigators have not publicly confirmed the motive or established whether the reported disagreement over Smith’s living arrangements played a role in the killings.
Detectives are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including how it began and whether it was intentionally set or resulted from events associated with the shooting.
The extensive fire damage and large amount of water used to extinguish the blaze have complicated the processing of the crime scene. Investigators are continuing to collect physical evidence, examine the property and speak with witnesses and relatives.
Officials have not released a complete account of the sequence of events inside the home.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to release additional information as evidence is processed and investigators establish a clearer timeline of the shooting and fire.