Eight relatives, including four children, were killed near Billings as investigators examine a family conflict and the suspect’s recent move from the home.
BILLINGS, MT — An Arizona father whose former wife and two children were among eight relatives killed at a Montana family gathering is providing investigators and the public with new details about tensions that preceded the shooting, while authorities say they have not established a definitive motive.
The killings unfolded Sunday, Aug. 23, at a home outside Billings where members of four generations had gathered for dinner. Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell identified the suspect as 44-year-old Alan Smith, a son of two of the victims. Authorities said Smith fatally shot eight relatives before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as law enforcement responded. Multiple fires were also set inside the home, leaving investigators to search through extensive damage for evidence.
The Arizona connection centers on Brad Ireland, the father of 13-year-old Owen Ireland and 7-year-old Chloe Ireland. Ireland lives in Arizona and was previously married to another victim, 39-year-old Megan Ireland-Ghekiere. He told The Associated Press that Alan Smith had lived with his parents for years before they asked him to move out several weeks before the killings. Authorities have not said that dispute was the motive, and O’Donnell said investigators still have unanswered questions about what prompted the attack.
The other victims were identified by authorities as Dana Smith, 73; his wife, Barbara Smith, 72; Dana Smith’s mother, Evelyn Smith, 92; Megan Ireland-Ghekiere; Owen Ireland; Chloe Ireland; Landon Ghekiere, 15; and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12. Alan Smith was Dana and Barbara Smith’s son and Megan’s brother. The eight victims therefore represented four generations of one blended family.
Ireland told the AP that his former wife moved to Montana with Owen and Chloe after their divorce about six years ago. She later married Adam Ghekiere. His children, Landon and Charlotte, became part of the blended family. Adam Ghekiere was working when the shooting occurred. Megan’s parents also moved to the Billings area, and Alan Smith had lived with them before recently moving out.
The Arizona father described Alan Smith as reclusive and said relatives had concerns about him, but authorities have been careful not to equate those accounts with a proven motive. O’Donnell said Wednesday that law enforcement had not previously been called to the residence and had no prior contact with Smith. Records reviewed by the AP also did not show prior arrests or criminal charges for Smith in Montana or Washington.
Authorities said Smith arrived in the neighborhood at about 5:49 p.m. Sunday. Shortly after 6 p.m., a female caller inside the home contacted 911. O’Donnell said investigators had not officially confirmed the caller’s identity, though family friend Jennifer Mercer said 12-year-old Charlotte made the call while trying to help her family. The first officer arrived about 10 minutes later. Officers encountered Smith in the front yard before he retreated into the house, according to the sheriff.
Responding officers then heard additional gunfire and saw smoke coming from the home. Smith later went into the backyard, where authorities said he suffered the self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken from the scene and pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital. By then, the house was being consumed by fire. Because the subdivision is outside Billings city limits and does not have required fire hydrants, firefighters had to bring water to the scene while also waiting for law enforcement to secure the area.
Investigators believe more than one fire was started inside the residence. The resulting damage has made the investigation more difficult, with authorities sifting through the burned structure for physical evidence. Weapons were recovered, but officials had not publicly specified what type of firearm or firearms were used. Autopsies were also still being completed as of Wednesday.
The deaths have prompted memorials and plans for a candlelight vigil in Billings. Friends and relatives have described the children through their interests and plans for the coming school year. Owen was remembered by his father as a protective older brother, while Landon was preparing to get his driver’s license. Charlotte was remembered for her interest in nature and insects as well as the emergency call family members say she made during the attack.
For Arizona, the documented connection is primarily through Ireland, whose children and former wife were killed. Authorities have not announced a broader Arizona link involving the suspect or the investigation. O’Donnell said investigators have some information about what may have led to the violence but cautioned that some questions may never be fully answered because many of the people who could explain the family circumstances are dead. The investigation at the burned home remains active.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 27, 2026.