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Billings, Montana: Eight family members killed in shooting and fire
Eight members of a multi-generational family were killed during a shooting and subsequent fire at a home outside Billings, Montana. The victims, whose ages ranged from 7 to 92, were reportedly gathered for a Sunday dinner when the attack occurred.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 44-year-old Alan Smith. Investigators believe Smith killed his parents, grandmother, sister, and her children before committing suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police arrived. Smith had reportedly been asked to move out of his parents' home several weeks prior to the incident.
Multiple fires were allegedly set inside the residence, which was later burned to its foundation. Emergency response efforts were reportedly hindered by a lack of fire hydrants in the subdivision, and the structural damage to the home has complicated the forensic investigation. Investigators are currently sifting through the charred remains to determine the exact cause of death for each victim and to establish a definitive motive.
Entities
Alan Smith · Billings · Kent O’Donnell · Megan Ghekiere · Montana · Yellowstone County · Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office · Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Multiple fires were intentionally set inside the residence during the incident. www.it-boltwise.de · srnnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 44-year-old suspect, Alan Smith, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after police arrived. www.t-online.de · wochentlich.de · www.ironmountaindailynews.com · srnnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The victims included four generations of a family, with ages ranging from 7 to 92 years old. www.t-online.de · wochentlich.de · www.ironmountaindailynews.com · srnnews.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Eight family members were killed in a shooting and fire in Billings, Montana. dailydigest.ie · www.t-online.de · wochentlich.de · www.ironmountaindailynews.com · www.it-boltwise.de · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect had been asked to move out of his parents' home weeks prior to the attack. www.ironmountaindailynews.com · srnnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The lack of fire hydrants in the subdivision delayed efforts to combat the blaze. www.ironmountaindailynews.com · www.it-boltwise.de