A 12-year-old girl is being remembered as a hero after calling 911 during a weekend shooting that left eight family members dead at a home outside Billings.
Police said the attack happened Sunday evening at the home of Dana Smith, 73, and Barbara Smith, 72. Both were killed, along with 92-year-old Evelyn Smith, 39-year-old Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, and four children: Owen Ireland, 13; Chloe Ireland, 7; Landon Ghekiere, 15; and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12.
Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell named 44-year-old Alan Michael Smith as the shooter. He was found dead inside the home. Investigators said he was the son of Dana and Barbara, the grandson of Evelyn, the brother of Megan, and the uncle to Chloe and Owen. Megan was the stepmother to Landon and Charlotte.
Sheriff’s officials said Alan Smith arrived at the house around 5:49 p.m. on Sunday. Charlotte called 911 just after 6:00 p.m. to get help.
“The one thing we do know is that Charlotte was the hero,” said neighbor Jennifer Mercer. “Charlotte called 911, and she tried to save her family. And that’s something the family does want out there.”
Officers arrived and confronted Alan Smith, but he ran back into the house. Police soon heard more gunshots, and smoke began coming from the home before it caught fire. Authorities believe Alan Smith died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Weapons were found at the scene, but police have not shared details about the specific guns used. Reports show Alan Smith was asked to move out of the house shortly before the shooting.
Adam Ghekiere, the father of Charlotte and Landon, confirmed his daughter made the call for help.
“I don’t think he expected my kids to be there,” Ghekiere said. “Monster isn’t even enough to describe what he did. I keep hearing her quote to me every time I would say ‘I love you’ and she would say ‘I love you more.’”
Mercer started an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs, where Charlotte was described as “funny, precocious and adorable, with just the right amount of stubborn.” Her older brother Landon, who was getting ready to take his driver’s test this week, was remembered as a caring and protective brother who often helped his neighbors.
Neighbors and classmates have set up a memorial near the home, leaving messages in a notebook as the investigation continues.
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