A shooting and fire at a home in Montana resulted in the deaths of children and several others, according to authorities, who’ve described the incident as a “family disturbance.”
Law enforcement has yet to release the identities of those killed at the Billings home, which was “fully engulfed” in fire the evening of Sunday, August 23, according to a statement shared via Facebook by Billings Police Department Sgt. Jeff Stovall on Monday, August 24.
At 6:01 p.m. that night, a 911 caller reported a shooter at the residence, located in a West End neighborhood, according to police. Then, at 6:12 pm, the first officer arrived on scene as shots were fired “from the back of the house.”
The house erupted into flames, authorities said.
“The initial investigation shows that this event started as a family disturbance and was not a random act of violence where the parties were unknown to each other,” the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement to CBS News.
The sheriff’s office also said “there is no further danger to the public.”
Authorities said a person considered a suspect died by suicide, according to CBS News.
“First and foremost, the Billings Police Department extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this awful tragedy,” Stovall said in the Facebook statement on Monday. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.”
“We understand there are many questions surrounding this investigation,” Stovall added. “However, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are details we simply cannot release at this time.”
The fire entirely destroyed the Billings home, KTVQ reported.
Authorities have not yet confirmed exactly how many people were killed as a result of the shooting and the blaze.
Stovall said further updates will come “as additional information becomes available and can appropriately be released.”
While names of the victims have not been formally shared by law enforcement, a GoFundMe established in support of Adam Ghekiere said that he lost his wife, children and other loved ones in an “unimaginable” incident in Billings’ West End neighborhood on Sunday.
“On 8/23, our friend and coworker, Adam, an Airport Rescue Firefighter, suffered [a] loss of a magnitude most of us can’t even imagine,” the GoFundMe page reads. “The loss of his wife, children, and other members of his family. Adam has dedicated his career to helping others on their worst days. Now, he needs our help on his.”
