The 44-Year-old Suspect, Alan Smith, Died From Self-inflicted Gunshot Wounds After Trying to Flee in Türkiye

A man shot and killed eight family members, including four children, during a family dinner in Billings, Montana, before setting the house on fire, police said. The 44-year-old suspect, Alan Smith, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after trying to flee. The victims were Smith's parents, a grandmother, his younger sister and her four children, according to police in Billings.

A neighbor said the youngest victim was 7 years old, while the other children were 15, 13 and 12. The 12-year-old girl tried to call emergency services but was killed shortly after, the neighbor said. The 90-year-old grandmother was in a wheelchair. The neighbor, who described the family as "loving and close, has set up a fundraiser to cover funeral costs.

She called the girl who tried to call police a hero: "Charlotte called 911 and tried to save her family. She was a hero. The family had moved from Seattle to Billings six years ago, and Smith moved in with his parents, living "like a hermit" for years, the ex-husband of the slain sister told The Associated Press.

"Nobody knew what he was doing there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the ex-husband said. "There were many warning signs and many people spoke up, but nobody listened. According to the ex-husband, Smith spent much of his time on his computer and did little else.

A few weeks ago, his parents reportedly told him he needed to find a job and move out, AP reported. On Sunday evening, he returned to the family home, likely knowing the weekly family dinner was underway. The current partner of the shooter's sister was at work during the shooting. When he arrived at the house, it was engulfed in flames.