Erica Schneider, mother of two children who were among eight family members killed in a house massacre in Billings, Montana, has spoken out about honoring their lives. Her biological children, Landon, 15, and Charlotte, 12, were killed in the incident that also claimed the lives of their stepmother, Megan Ghekiere, Megan's children Chloe Ireland, 7, and Owen Ireland, 13, as well as Alan Smith's parents, Dana and Barb Smith, and his 92-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Smith.
Alan Smith, the perpetrator of the violence, died by suicide after opening fire on his relatives and setting the home ablaze. The ages of the victims ranged from 7 to 92.
"To my family, friends, and strangers; thank you for the continued support you have given to myself, Danny [her current husband], and Adam [Ghekiere]," Schneider wrote on Facebook, addressing the tragedy for the first time. "We are beyond appreciative of you all and hope to have your help with honoring the lives of Landon, Charlotte, and the Smith family."
Landon was preparing to start his senior year at Billings' Senior High School and was due to receive his driver's license the week he was killed. He was remembered as a "patient, protective and loving big brother." His sister, Charlotte, who was set to enter seventh grade, was described as having an "angelic smile" and a passion for exploring for bugs. A fundraiser for Schneider stated that the children leave behind a "hole that is impossible to comprehend, along with a family facing unimaginable grief."
Family friend Jennifer Mercer stated that Charlotte Ghekiere attempted to save her family by calling 911 from inside the home, calling her a "hero."
Megan Ghekiere, Alan Smith's younger sister, had been married to Adam Ghekiere for less than a year. Adam Ghekiere, an airport rescue firefighter, was working when he heard about the incident unfolding at his in-laws' residence. He was unable to reach anyone by phone and grew fearful upon arriving at the scene, noting that the home was under active shooter status and he did not believe the shooter anticipated his children being present.
Brad Ireland, father of Chloe and Owen Ireland and Smith's former brother-in-law, described the shooter as a "hermit" who spent most of his time alone. Smith, who had attended Eastern Washington University, had struggled to maintain employment and moved to Montana to be near his parents after his sister relocated there. Ireland stated that Smith spent nearly all his time in his room, and "No one knew what he did in there 24/7." Smith had been living with his parents before they asked him to move out a few weeks prior to the incident. He arrived uninvited at the home on a Sunday evening around 6 p.m. and carried out the shooting.
Smith was found to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.