12-Year-Old Charlotte Ghekiere Hailed as Hero After Calling 911 During Montana Family Massacre

A 12-year-old girl, Charlotte Ghekiere, is being remembered as a hero by family and friends after a deadly shooting at a home in the Billings, Montana, area left eight members of the same family dead.

The massacre occurred on the evening of August 23, 2026, when authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the residence. Four children were among those killed.

The gunman was identified as Alan Smith, 44, a relative of the family. Police said Smith ultimately died by suicide after the shooting.

A family friend, Jennifer Mercer, said Charlotte called 911 while the attack was underway in an effort to save her relatives. Mercer described the girl as a hero for trying to get help for her family.

However, authorities have not officially confirmed that Charlotte was the caller. The police chief said that a woman inside the home made the emergency call, while Mercer identified that caller as Charlotte.

Officers arrived approximately 10 minutes after the call, reportedly hearing gunshots and seeing smoke coming from the residence. The house later burned to the ground.

The tragedy has devastated the family and community, while questions remain about the exact sequence of events inside the home. Charlotte’s reported attempt to seek help has become a particularly poignant part of the family’s remembrance, although the identity of the 911 caller remains unconfirmed by police.

Source: NY post