Family members are sharing the stories behind eight lives lost Sunday, including 12-year-old Charlotte, who they say became a hero when she called 911 during the tragedy.
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Eight lives, one blended family: Remembering the victims killed at Billings home
Loved ones are remembering eight members of a blended family who died Sunday night in a shooting and fire at a home on Billings’ West End.
Family identified the victims to MTN News Tuesday: Megan Ghekiere, four children, Landon Ghekiere, Charlotte Ghekiere, Chloe Ireland, Owen Ireland; Megan Ghekiere's parents, Barb and Dana Smith, and her grandmother, Evelyn Smith.
The tragedy unfolded around 6 p.m. at a home on White Star Circle. Police responding to a report of a shooting heard gunfire as they arrived. Within minutes, the home was engulfed in flames.
Authorities say the violence stemmed from a family disturbance and was not a random attack. Police said the suspect, who has not been identified, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the home and later died.
Police have not yet released the names or ages of those killed.
Family members said they shared their identities, hoping to remember the people they loved — and help the community understand the lives behind the tragedy.