Two Siblings and Stepmom Among 8 Found Dead in Burning Home After Horrifying Family Tragedy

A Montana family is reeling after a horrific shooting and house fire left eight people dead, including a 12-year-old girl, her 15-year-old brother and their stepmother.

Family members have identified Charlotte, 12, and Landon, 15, as two of the victims killed at a home in Billings over the weekend. Their stepmother was also among the dead, according to GoFundMe pages created for the children’s parents.

The deadly incident unfolded Sunday, Aug. 23, after police were called to the home for what was initially described as a “family disturbance.”

According to the Billings Police Department, an officer responded to reports of an active shooting shortly after 6 p.m.

As the officer arrived, more gunfire was heard coming from the rear of the house.

Within minutes, smoke began pouring from the home.

Police said the house eventually became fully engulfed in flames.

Multiple people were found dead at the scene.

A man was taken to the hospital, and investigators later identified him as the suspected gunman, according to local reports. Authorities said he died from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

In total, eight people were killed.

Authorities have not publicly released the identities of all of the victims.

A GoFundMe created for the children’s father, Adam Ghekiere, said his wife was among those killed.

Another fundraiser set up for the children’s mother and stepfather identified the siblings as Landon and Charlotte.

Family members remembered Landon as a kind and helpful teenager.

The 15-year-old was described as a “loving, caring young man who was always willing to lend a hand to his family and neighbors.”

He was preparing to begin his sophomore year of high school and was reportedly excited about getting his driver’s license.

Loved ones also remembered him as a patient and protective older brother to Charlotte.

Charlotte, 12, was described by her family as “funny, precocious, and adorable—with just the right amount of stubborn.”

The siblings were remembered as deeply loved children whose lives were cut short just before the start of a new school year.

Police have not yet said what relationship, if any, the suspected shooter had with the victims.

Investigators have also not publicly announced a motive.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office is now leading the investigation into the shooting and fire.

Authorities are continuing to work to determine exactly what happened inside the home and what led to the deadly violence.