Alan Smith Obituary, BILLINGS, Mont. — Authorities have identified 44-year-old Alan Smith as the man accused of killing eight members of his family during a shooting at a residence on White Star Circle in Billings on Sunday evening, August 23, 2026. Smith later died after suffering an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
The deadly shooting occurred at a home at 315 White Star Circle in Billings’ West End shortly after 6 p.m. Police received a 911 call reporting gunfire, with authorities saying gunshots could be heard in the background of the emergency call. Officers responding to the residence encountered additional gunfire coming from the area of the home.
Authorities said the preliminary investigation indicates the incident began as a family disturbance and was not a random act of violence involving strangers. Family members reportedly said Smith was related to the victims and had been living at the residence with his parents. Relatives also said he had recently been asked to move out, although authorities have not publicly confirmed that dispute as the motive.
The victims reportedly included members of a blended family spanning multiple generations. Among those identified by relatives were Smith’s grandmother, 92-year-old Evelyn Smith, who was reportedly wheelchair-bound; his parents, Dana Smith and Barbara Smith; and his younger sister, Megan Ghekiere.
Megan Ghekiere’s children were also among those reportedly killed. They included her stepchildren, Landon Ghekiere, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, as well as her biological children, Owen Ireland, 13, and Chloe Ireland, 7. The deaths represented the loss of four children and several adults across generations of the same family.
As law enforcement responded to the shooting, a fire broke out at the residence. Firefighters faced significant safety concerns because of reports of continued gunfire, preventing crews from immediately approaching the burning structure. The home was eventually consumed by flames, while the lack of nearby fire hydrants further complicated firefighting efforts.
Authorities said Smith was located outside the residence and had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. Officials have not released a complete account of what occurred inside the home before the shooting and fire.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement processing the scene, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses and family members. Investigators are also working to determine the exact motive and how the fire began, including whether the blaze was directly connected to the shooting. Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continues. The Billings community and the victims’ loved ones are left mourning the loss of eight family members whose lives were cut short in the devastating incident.
