A Montana man killed 8 relatives, including 4 kids, at Sunday dinner, a family spokesperson says
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Matthew Brown and Michael Biesecker, Associated Press
BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — A man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, as they gathered for Sunday dinner at a home in Billings, Montana, the father of two of the kids and a family spokesperson told The Associated Press.
The victims represented four generations of the blended family, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl, according to Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor and family friend who set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses and was authorized to release these details.
Police said they responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames. Investigators confirmed Tuesday there had been eight victims, including four children, and that one person had suffered a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Brad Ireland, whose former wife and two children were among the dead, identified the shooter as Alan Smith, 44. Smith had recently been told to move out of the home, Ireland said. Authorities have not confirmed a motive.
David Hiller, a neighbor who lives three doors down from the home, heard what he thought were fireworks just after 6 p.m. on Sunday, and didn’t think much of the noise until another neighbor called to warn him about a shooting on the cul-de-sac.
Hiller then rushed outside to find police in tactical gear sheltering behind vehicles, some with long guns, while plumes of black smoke rose from the home.
In a statement posted by the Billings Police Department, the department says they have information that they cannot release at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
“We understand there are many questions surrounding this investigation. However, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are details we simply cannot release at this time,” the statement says. “As additional information becomes available and can appropriately be released, I will continue to provide updates to the public and media. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our investigators continue their work.”
Additional information is expected to Wednesday, according to statements from the department.