Multiple individuals, including children, died Sunday evening after a shooting incident at a home in Billings, Montana, was followed by a fire that engulfed the residence. Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6 p.m. following reports of a shooting and a domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival about 10 minutes later, responding officers heard gunfire originating from the rear of the house. Shortly thereafter, the home became fully engulfed in flames. Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell confirmed at a news conference on Monday that "multiple adults and multiple juveniles" were deceased at the property. The sheriff's office has not yet released the identities of the victims.
O’Donnell noted that the investigation into the crime scene and the recovery of evidence is being significantly hampered by the fire and the water used to extinguish it. He requested patience from the public as the investigation proceeds. As of Tuesday, no motive for the incident had been publicly disclosed.