Gunman Kills Adults and Children at Billings Home

Gunman Kills Adults and Children at Billings Home

The News

A gunman opened fire at a home in Billings, Montana, on Sunday evening, and the house was then set alight, killing multiple adults and multiple children, authorities said Monday.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office says the shooting began as a family disturbance and was not random — the gunman knew the people he targeted.

The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement said.

Timeline

Sunday, 6:01 p.m. local time

Billings police and Yellowstone County sheriff's deputies are dispatched to a report of an active shooter in the 300 block of White Star Circle, near the city's West End neighborhood. Interim Sheriff Kent O'Donnell said gunshots could be heard in the background of the 911 call.

About 10 minutes later

officers and deputies reach the scene and hear gunfire coming from the back of the residence, the police department said. CBS News reported an officer arrived within 15 minutes.

Three minutes after that

the home is fully engulfed in flames, police said. Video shared by CBS affiliate KTVQ showed a large plume of smoke over the property, and footage from the scene showed officers taking cover behind patrol SUVs while a small tactical team moved toward the house behind a handheld shield.

Monday

O'Donnell tells a news conference that "multiple adults and multiple juveniles" died at the residence. The dead have been identified, he said, but their number, names and ages are being withheld for now. No motive was available.

Reactions

"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, adding that "there is no further danger to the public."

Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said crews were slowed getting water to the fire. "The delay in limited access presented significant challenges, fire conditions continued to worsen, and the residents ultimately became ... consumed by fire," he said at Monday's news conference. Officials said firefighters may have faced water access issues and fewer hydrants than would be ideal.

"First and foremost, the Billings Police Department extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this awful tragedy," Sgt. Jeff Stovall of the Billings Police Department said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time."

Stovall said some information is being withheld: "We understand there are many questions surrounding this investigation. However, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are details we simply cannot release at this time."

What's Next

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, with other agencies assisting, and says it will release updates "as time allows."

Officials expect evidence collection at the scene to take multiple days and have asked the public to stay away. O'Donnell said the fire and the water used to fight it will slow the crime scene work: "So we ask for patience as we complete this investigation."

The origin of the blaze is also under investigation. A victim count, names and ages have not been released, and no motive has been given.

More

The Daily Mail reported that eight members of the same family were killed, including a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl named by relatives, and that one person survived and was taken to a hospital. Police and the sheriff's office have declined to confirm the number of dead or release identities, so that account has not been confirmed by authorities.

The Daily Mail also reported the gunman was found dead near the house at 6:48 p.m. with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and that how he was related to the family is unclear. CBS News reported the suspect died of his injuries after being taken to a local hospital.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

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