Promising lives of Montana children revealed after family massacre

Landon, 15, and Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, were among eight family members killed by their step-uncle, Alan Smith, during a family dinner in Billings, Montana. Both siblings demonstrated remarkable bravery, with Charlotte calling 911 during the attack and Landon attempting to protect his sister. They are remembered for their diverse interests, promising futures, and loving natures.

• Landon Ghekiere, 15, was interested in Marvel movies, gaming, live music, soccer, baseball, wrestling, trumpet, and chess, and was preparing for his sophomore year and a trip to Germany and Switzerland.
• Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, was described as bright, quirky, and independent, with a love for animals and various activities including crocheting, painting, paddle boarding, and playing the violin.
• Charlotte called 911 during the shooting and will receive the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation’s National Heroism Award posthumously.
• Landon’s obituary states he spent his last moments trying to save his younger sister.
• The massacre also claimed the lives of step-mother Megan Ghekiere, and step-siblings Owen Ireland, 13, and Chloe Ireland, seven.
• Their father, Adam Ghekiere, described his brother-in-law Alan Smith as a ‘monster’ and suggested there were warning signs.
• Alan Smith had been living as a hermit with his parents and was recently kicked out of their house before the attack.
• After the shooting, the house was set on fire, and police found Alan Smith outside, where he is believed to have died by suicide.
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