Eight killed at Billings Sunday dinner; sheriff says questions may go unanswered

Four children identified by family and neighbors among the dead

Investigators worked through the burned-out home on Wednesday, examining what remained of a Sunday-dinner gathering that ended in the deaths of four generations of one extended family. The scope of the loss emerged as the victims were identified and authorities walked through a scene marked by fire and by Smith’s self-inflicted gunshot wound after police arrived.

Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell spoke at a Wednesday news conference. “There’s many questions that will come from this investigation,” O’Donnell said. “Some of those questions we probably won’t ever be able to answer, because all the parties that will have those answers are not here to answer them for us.”

The killings took place at a home on the outskirts of Billings where the family had gathered for a Sunday meal, authorities said. Smith died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after officers arrived, according to the sheriff.

Multiple fires were set inside the home, O’Donnell said, leaving investigators to search through a structure that had been largely consumed. The work of sifting through the debris was described as deliberate — “shovelful by shovelful” — as crews looked for evidence.

The victims included Smith’s grandmother, his parents, his younger sister, and her children, authorities said. The children were identified by family members and neighbors as Owen Ireland, 13; Landon Ghekiere, 15; Charlotte Ghekiere, 12; and Chloe Ireland. Owen and Chloe were stepsiblings to Landon and Charlotte, according to those accounts.

Family members and a neighbor who knew the family shared details about the children’s lives. Owen, 13, was described by his father as the “perfect big brother” and Chloe’s protector. Landon, 15, had planned to get his driver’s license this week, his family said. Charlotte, 12, was a lover of nature and particularly fond of insects, said Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor and family friend.

Smith had lived at the home before being asked to move out weeks earlier, according to accounts from police and surviving relatives.

A candlelight vigil was planned for Thursday night.