A 12-year-old girl is being recognized for her heroic actions during a mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight people, including herself, at a family gathering in Billings, Montana. Charlotte Ghekiere called 911 from inside the home as her step-uncle, Alan Smith, 44, began shooting during a weekly Sunday dinner.
Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell stated that gunshots could be heard in the background of Charlotte's emergency call. Within three minutes of her call, the house was set on fire. Charlotte died in the incident alongside her 15-year-old brother, Landon Ghekiere; their step-mother, Megan Ghekiere; and her step-siblings, Owen Ireland, 13, and Chloe Ireland, 7.
Smith also killed his own parents, Barbara "Barb" Smith, 69, and Dana Smith, 72, along with his 92-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Smith, before taking his own life. Authorities believe Smith may have initiated the rampage after being asked to leave his parents' home.
Family friend Jennifer Mercer described Charlotte's attempt to save her family as an act of bravery. "She tried to save her family," Mercer told the Billings Gazette, adding that Charlotte lived by her favorite quote, "I love you more."
Timeline of Events
Smith had reportedly moved to Billings, Montana, after his parents relocated from Seattle. Public records indicate the family has resided in the state since 2020. Adam Ghekiere, father of Charlotte and Landon, described Smith as reclusive and said his behavior had made living at home difficult for his parents. Weeks prior to the shooting, Smith's parents had asked him to leave their residence. He had reportedly told the family he was going to a warmer climate.
On Sunday evening, Smith allegedly forced his way into his parents' home around 5:49 p.m. Neighbors reported hearing sounds resembling fireworks approximately 11 minutes later. At 6:02 p.m., dispatchers received the 911 call from inside the house. When law enforcement arrived on the scene about 10 minutes later, the residence was already engulfed in flames, and gunfire was still audible from within.
Officers observed Smith in the backyard of the burning house. Around 6:13 p.m., a deputy reported hearing a final gunshot, distinct from the earlier volleys. Deputies entered the backyard at approximately 6:22 p.m. and found Smith with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. CPR was administered, but he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, with the house, located outside city limits, lacking fire hydrants, complicating suppression efforts.
Adam Ghekiere, an airport rescue firefighter, learned of the active shooting over his dispatch radio while at work. After failing to reach his children and wife by phone, he drove to his in-laws' house, seeing the flames from a mile away and fearing the worst. Emergency crews prevented him from approaching the scene due to the ongoing active-shooter situation. He was informed of his wife and children's deaths two hours later.
Adam Ghekiere noted that his children were not expected to be at the Smith residence that evening, as the family's gatherings typically occurred on Fridays. Brad Ireland, father of Owen and Chloe, expressed that there were warning signs about Smith's behavior and that people had spoken out, but their concerns were not heeded. Ireland stated that Smith had lived with his parents, spending most of his time isolated on his computer, and had not held down a job despite having a university degree. Records indicate Smith had no prior arrests or criminal charges.
Megan Ghekiere had divorced Brad Ireland six years prior and moved to Montana with their children. She later married Adam Ghekiere. Megan's parents also moved to Billings, purchasing a home near their daughter, while her grandmother Evelyn resided in a nearby retirement community. Family friend Mercer described the victims as a "very loving and close" family.
Online fundraisers have been established to support the families affected by the tragedy. One fund aims to assist Adam Ghekiere with funeral, memorial, and counseling expenses. As of Thursday morning, these fundraisers had garnered significant donations to help the grieving families with funeral and living expenses.