A 12-year-old girl, Charlotte Ghekiere, has been posthumously recognized as a hero for alerting authorities to a violent incident at a Billings, Montana, home where eight family members were killed. Charlotte made the 911 call Sunday evening as the attack unfolded, according to family members. Her call prompted police to arrive at the scene within minutes.
The shooter, identified as Alan Smith, 44, the stepmom’s brother, opened fire on the family who had gathered for dinner. He subsequently set the house ablaze before taking his own life. Firefighters remained at the scene until early Monday morning.
Among the victims were Charlotte's father's wife, Megan Ghekiere, her 15-year-old brother Landon, and Megan Ghekiere’s biological children from a previous marriage, 13-year-old Owen Ireland and 7-year-old Chloe Ireland. Also killed were Megan Ghekiere’s parents, Dana and Barb, and her 92-year-old grandmother, Evelyn.
Charlotte's father, Adam Ghekiere, was not at the home during the incident as he was working at an airshow. He stated that the family dinner typically occurred on Fridays. While at work, he heard reports of an unfolding incident near his in-laws' home. Attempts to contact the house were unsuccessful, and he was unable to track his children's locations.
Upon arriving at the scene, Adam Ghekiere found the house engulfed in flames and was prevented from approaching due to the active shooter status. He received confirmation of his wife and children's deaths hours later.
Authorities have not yet released an official motive for the killings. However, Megan Ghekiere’s ex-husband, Brad Ireland, suggested that Smith had been harboring a grudge against his parents and had been asked to move out of the home prior to the attack. Ireland described Smith as a reclusive individual who spent most of his time online, with his activities largely unknown to others.
Family friend Jennifer Mercer lauded Charlotte's actions, stating, "Charlotte called 911 and she tried to save her family. And that’s something the family does want out there." Adam Ghekiere shared a poignant memory of his daughter, recalling her frequent response, "I love you more," whenever he expressed his love.