BILLINGS, Mont. — A grieving Montana mother has spoken publicly for the first time since her two children were among eight family members killed in a devastating house shooting and fire during a Sunday gathering.
Erica Schneider’s biological children, Landon Ghekiere, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, were inside the Billings home when Alan Smith allegedly opened fire on members of his family before setting the property on fire.
Schneider addressed the tragedy in a Facebook post Tuesday, thanking those who had supported her, her current husband Danny and her former husband Adam Ghekiere.
“To my family, friends, and strangers; thank you for the continued support you have given to myself, Danny, and Adam,” Schneider wrote.
She added that the family hoped to have continued support in honoring the lives of Landon, Charlotte and the Smith family.
The ages of the victims reportedly ranged from 7 to 92, underscoring the devastating impact the shooting had on the entire family.
Landon and Charlotte Remembered by Their Family
Landon and Charlotte were remembered as two children with very different personalities but equally meaningful places within their family.
Landon was preparing to begin his senior year at Billings Senior High School. He was also expected to obtain his driver’s license this week, making the timing of his death particularly heartbreaking for those who knew him.
Family members described the 15-year-old as a patient, protective and loving big brother.
Charlotte, 12, was preparing to enter seventh grade. She was remembered for her angelic smile and her enthusiasm for exploring and searching for bugs.
“These two precious children leave behind a hole that is impossible to comprehend, along with a family facing unimaginable grief,” the family said in a fundraiser created for Schneider.
Their deaths have left their parents and loved ones facing the painful task of mourning two children whose lives were abruptly taken.
Family Friend Says Charlotte Tried to Save Others
Among the most heartbreaking details to emerge from the tragedy is the account of Charlotte’s actions inside the home.
Family friend Jennifer Mercer said the 12-year-old called 911 while inside the house, apparently attempting to get help as the violence unfolded.
“The one thing we do know is that Charlotte was the hero,” Mercer said.
That account has added another layer to the family’s grief, with Charlotte now being remembered not only as a young girl with an “angelic smile,” but also as someone who tried to protect the people around her during a terrifying situation.
Other Victims Included Children and Elderly Family Member
The victims included several generations of the blended family.
Landon and Charlotte’s stepmother, Megan Ghekiere, was among those killed. Her biological children, 7-year-old Chloe Ireland and 13-year-old Owen Ireland, also died.
Smith’s parents, Dana and Barb Smith, and his 92-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Smith, were also identified as victims.
Megan was Alan Smith’s younger sister and had married Adam Ghekiere in October 2025, less than a year before her death.
Adam, an airport rescue firefighter, was working when he learned that an incident was unfolding at his in-laws’ home. He said he tried calling the house and checking the locations of Landon and Charlotte, but neither child answered.
By the time family members reached the area, the home remained under an active-shooter response.
“I feared the worst right then,” Adam said.
Suspect Dies Before Police Can Arrest Him
Authorities identified Alan Smith as the suspected shooter. He was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and died before police could take him into custody.
Brad Ireland, the father of Chloe and Owen and Smith’s former brother-in-law, described Smith as a “hermit” who spent much of his time alone on a computer.
Ireland said Smith had attended Eastern Washington University but struggled to maintain employment. He reportedly followed his parents from Seattle to Montana after his sister relocated to the state.
Smith had been living with his parents at their Billings home, but they had reportedly asked him to leave a few weeks before the shooting.
According to Ireland, Smith later returned to the property uninvited and allegedly carried out the attack at around 6 p.m. Sunday.
The shooting and fire have left a family devastated across multiple generations, while Erica Schneider and her loved ones now focus on remembering Landon and Charlotte and honoring the lives of everyone lost.
What are your thoughts on Charlotte’s reported attempt to call 911 and help her family? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments.