Investigators sift for evidence at burned Montana home where 8 family members were killed at dinner

Investigators combed through the ashes of a Montana home where eight family members perished during a Sunday dinner, in search of clues to unravel the tragic incident. Alan Smith, 44, allegedly killed his extended family members before taking his own life, authorities confirmed. Alan shot his grandmother, parents, younger sister, and her children in the suburban home on the outskirts of Billings.

Multiple fires were set inside the house. The victims included Owen and Chloe Ireland along with their stepsiblings, Landon and Charlotte Ghekiere. Owen, 13, was considered the "perfect big brother," Chloe a protector, Landon 15 and preparing to get his driver's license, and Charlotte, 12, an admirer of nature. The Smiths, originally from Seattle, had moved to Montana after Megan Ghekiere, 39, their daughter, divorced six years ago.

Her second husband, Adam Ghekiere, was at work when the shooting took place. The eighth victim, Dana’s mother, Evelyn Smith, 92, lived in a nearby retirement community. Police had not interacted with Alan Smith before, and he had no prior history with law enforcement. When officers arrived, they found smoke and heard gunfire. Alan Smith confronted the officers before running into the backyard and fatally shooting himself. The family's grief was palpable, with a candlelight vigil planned for the following Thursday.