A tragic shooting occurred on Sunday, August 26, 2026, near Billings, Montana, where a man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, during a family dinner. The Billings Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting an active shooting at 6:01 p.m.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Alan Smith, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to Brad Ireland, a family member, Smith had been asked by his parents to move out of the family home weeks prior to the incident.

The victims included Ireland’s ex-wife, Megan Ghekiere, and their two children, 13-year-old Owen Ireland and 7-year-old Chloe Ireland. Also killed were Megan Ghekiere’s two stepchildren with her current husband, Adam Ghekiere—15-year-old Landon Ghekiere and 12-year-old Charlotte Ghekiere—as well as Smith’s parents, Dana and Barb, and his grandmother, Evelyn.

Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, heroically called 911 during the shooting and attempted to save her family, a fact highlighted by Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor and family friend who organized a fundraiser to assist with funeral and other expenses.

Brad Ireland shared that after his divorce from Megan six years ago, she moved to Montana with their children and remarried Adam Ghekiere, who was not home during the shooting. A GoFundMe page described Landon Ghekiere as a patient, protective, and loving big brother who was looking forward to getting his driver’s license.

The Billings Police Department noted that due to the condition and structural integrity of the residence, recovery and investigative efforts are being conducted carefully and methodically. They extended their sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.

Sources