Eight killed, including children, in US home by gunman
Updated . First published
Eight people from the same family have been killed after a shooting and house fire in the United States.
Four children are among the dead, with a father losing his wife and at least two of his children in the attack, which occurred during a Sunday lunch at a home in Billings, Montana.
One man lost two of his children and his wife in the killings. Facebook
The suspect took his own life after the attack, a family spokesperson told The Associated Press.
Jennifer Mercer, who set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses and was authorised to release details, identified the victims as representing four generations of the blended family, ranging from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl.
Police confirmed they believe the incident started as a “family disturbance”, and that the killings were targeted.
“[This was] not a random act of violence where the parties were unknown to each other,” Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Landon, 15, and Charlotte, 12, have been fondly remembered by loved ones. GoFundMe
Four children were killed in the attack, with two revealed to have been Landon, 15, and Charlotte, 12.
Landon has been remembered as a “caring young man” in a fundraising page.
“[He] was always willing to lend a hand to his family and neighbours. He was looking forward to getting his driver’s license this week and was a patient, protective, and loving big brother,” the page said.
Charlotte was said to have an angelic smile and curious nature, and was just about to start seventh grade.
The pair are survived by their mother, Erica Jarussi Schneider, her husband Danny, and their father Adam Ghekiere.
Ghekiere also lost his wife in the killings, according to a separate fundraising page.
“She especially loved exploring the world around her, turning over rocks to look for bugs,” the fundraising page read.
Investigations continue, with a motive for the killings unclear. Matthew Brown
“Adam, an Airport Rescue Firefighter, suffered loss of a magnitude most of us can’t even imagine. The loss of his wife, children, and other members of his family,” the page read.
“Adam has dedicated his career to helping others on their worst days. Now, he needs our help on his.”
David Hiller, a neighbour who lives three doors down from the home, heard what he thought were fireworks just after 6pm on Sunday, and didn’t think much of the noise until another neighbour 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 with long guns, while plumes of black smoke rose from the home.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect hasn’t been officially identified to the public.
Written with Associated Press
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
