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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 25, 2026Miami-Dade

Alan Smith kills eight relatives in Billings, Montana, before dying by suicide

A 44-year-old man killed eight family members, including four children, during a Sunday dinner before setting the home on fire and dying by suicide. The victims spanned four generations, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl.

crimepublic safetytragedyBillingsMontana
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

This mass shooting resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and the destruction of a family home, impacting the local Billings community and prompting a police investigation.

Key Facts

  • Eight people were killed in a shooting at a home in Billings, Montana.
  • The victims included four children and a great-grandmother in her 90s.
  • The suspect, 44-year-old Alan Smith, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • The suspect had been asked by his parents to move out of their home weeks prior to the incident.
  • The incident occurred during a weekly family dinner on a Sunday evening.
  • The suspect set the house on fire after the shooting.
  • Victims included Megan Ghekiere (ex-wife of Brad Ireland), Owen Ireland (13), Chloe Ireland (7), Landon Ghekiere (15), and Charlotte Ghekiere (12).
  • Charlotte Ghekiere attempted to call 9-1-1 during the incident.
  • The suspect had no prior criminal record in Montana or Washington.
  • Police responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Who's Mentioned

personJennifer Mercer“Neighbor and family friend who set up a fundraiser.”personOwen Ireland“Victim, age 13.”personCharlotte Ghekiere“Victim, age 12.”personAlan Smith“The suspect who killed eight relatives and died by suicide.”locationBillings“City where the incident occurred.”organizationEastern Washington University“University attended by the suspect.”personLandon Ghekiere“Victim, age 15.”personMegan Ghekiere“Victim, ex-wife of Brad Ireland.”personChloe Ireland“Victim, age 7.”personBrad Ireland“Family member who identified the shooter and provided details to the press.”