BILLINGS, Mont. — Multiple people, including children, were killed after a shooting and subsequent house fire at a residence in Billings’ West End on Sunday, August 23, 2026, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the area of 315 White Star Circle after law enforcement received a 911 call reporting a family disturbance. Gunshots could reportedly be heard in the background of the call, prompting police to respond to the residence at approximately 6:01 p.m.
When firefighters arrived shortly afterward, they also encountered gunfire. The dangerous conditions prevented fire crews from immediately entering the property or beginning normal firefighting operations. Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said firefighters had to wait until authorities could establish that the scene was secure before they could safely operate.
The fire ultimately consumed the residence, completely destroying the structure. Nearby homes sustained some minor heat-related damage, but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring properties. The response was further complicated by the lack of nearby fire hydrants, requiring crews to transport water to the scene using tanker trucks.
Billings Assistant Police Chief Shawn Mayo said a man was found outside the residence with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell said authorities have identified everyone involved, including the suspected perpetrator, and there is no indication that anyone else remains at large or that there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Officials confirmed that multiple adults and children were among those killed, although authorities had not immediately released a complete official list of victims. A fundraiser circulating online identified several victims as members of the family of Adam Ghekiere, an airport rescue firefighter at Billings-Logan International Airport, and said his wife, Megan Ghekiere, children and other relatives were among those who died. The fundraiser also identified Erica Schneider and Danny Schneider as family members who lost their children, Landon and Charlotte. Those identities and family relationships had not been included in the initial official information released by authorities and remain subject to formal confirmation.
The tragedy has prompted grief among relatives, friends and members of the Billings community as investigators work to establish a complete account of what happened. Deputies from Stillwater County and Carbon County also responded to assist local authorities, with officials describing the case as an extremely complex investigation involving multiple agencies.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or released a detailed account of how the shooting unfolded inside the residence. Investigators are expected to remain at the scene for several days while collecting evidence, documenting the fire damage and reconstructing the events that led to the deaths. Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses, with officials emphasizing that the case remains active and that further details will be provided only when confirmed.
