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 confirmed the info to The Associated Press. Police appear to believe the Montana man responsible was named Alan Smith.
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Details About The Family Killings In Montana
Police said they responded to the home on Sunday (August 23) evening and heard gunshots coming from out back. Then, the house was completely engulfed in flames, allegedly by the shooter. Investigators confirmed Tuesday (August 25) that there had been eight victims, including four children.
Additionally, 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. He was 44. Smith had recently been told to move out of the home, Ireland said.
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Who Were The Victims?
The victims represented four generations of the blended family. Their victims ranged from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl, according to Jennifer Mercer. Mercer is a neighbor and family friend who set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. She was reportedly authorized to release these details.
Neighbor Recalls What He Heard Of The Incident
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. He 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 officers had long guns, while plumes of black smoke rose from the home.
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Associated Press writers Matthew Brown, Michael Biesecker, Gene Johnson and Mikella Schuettler contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
