Tragedy in Billings: Family Destroyed | Oakland News

Oakland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

A Montana family of eight—including four young children and spanning four generations—was tragically killed in a home invasion turned arson, as the 44-year-old suspect, Alan Smith, died by suicide after gunshots rang out. The massacre, which occurred just weeks after Smith was asked to move out by his own parents (also victims), has left a grieving community reeling. A 12-year-old girl, Charlotte Ghekiere, is being celebrated as a hero for calling 911 and trying to save her family. Investigators confirmed all eight victims and the shooter’s death; the fire severely damaged the home, delaying…