MONTANA GUNMAN IDENTIFIED AFTER 8 FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED DURING SUNDAY DINNER

BILLINGS, MONTANA — New details are emerging after a devastating shooting at a Montana family home left eight relatives dead, including four children, before the residence was set ablaze.

Authorities and relatives identified the suspected gunman as 44-year-old Alan Smith, who also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A FAMILY DINNER TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE

The tragedy unfolded Sunday evening as relatives gathered for their regular family dinner.

According to family members who spoke with the Associated Press, Smith’s parents had recently asked him to move out of the home. Relatives say he returned to the property Sunday and opened fire.

Police responding to the residence reported hearing additional gunfire before the house became completely engulfed in flames.

The fire severely complicated the investigation and recovery operation.

FOUR CHILDREN WERE AMONG THE VICTIMS

The victims reportedly represented four generations of the same blended family, ranging from a 92-year-old great-grandmother to a 7-year-old child.

Among those killed were Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, and her brother Landon, 15, along with two other children, according to relatives and family representatives.

One of the most heartbreaking details is that Charlotte reportedly called 911 during the attack in an attempt to get help.

A family friend described the 12-year-old as a hero for trying to save her family.

 RELATIVES SAY THERE WERE WARNING SIGNS

Smith was reportedly living at the family home before his parents asked him to leave.

Relatives described him as increasingly isolated and said there had been multiple warning signs before the shooting. The New York Post reports that Smith had struggled to maintain employment and was described as a reclusive figure within the family.

However, investigators have not yet established an official motive.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what happened inside the home and what led to the attack.

 THE FIRE ADDED ANOTHER LAYER TO THE INVESTIGATION

Police initially responded after receiving reports of gunfire and an unconscious child.

As officers arrived, more gunshots were heard from behind the residence. Shortly afterward, the house caught fire and became fully engulfed.

Smith was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died.

Because the building was extensively damaged, investigators face the difficult task of reconstructing the sequence of events from a heavily burned crime scene.

 A FAMILY DESTROYED IN MINUTES

The deaths have devastated relatives who are now mourning eight members of one family at once.

For the loved ones left behind, the tragedy is especially painful because it happened during what should have been an ordinary Sunday family gathering.

A father who lost his children, relatives who lost parents and siblings, and a community mourning four young lives are now left searching for answers.

THE BIGGEST QUESTIONS REMAIN

Why did Smith return to the home?

What happened immediately before the shooting began?

And what caused the situation to escalate into such a devastating attack?

Investigators are expected to provide additional information as the investigation continues.

Eight family members are dead. Four of them were children. And a 12-year-old girl reportedly made a desperate call for help before the house was consumed by fire.

The full motive behind the Montana family massacre remains under investigation.