There comes a time in every man's life when it's time to fly the coop. For some, that moment comes immediately following high school, when they head to university. For others, it comes in their early twenties after saving up for their first apartment.
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However, not everyone is willing to take that next step in adulthood, and a Montana man went full scorched Earth when asked to leave home.
Montana Man Kills Four Generations of Relatives
According to the Billings Gazette, 44-year-old Alan Smith killed eight of his relatives, including his mother and grandmother, during a family dinner. Officials stated that the massacre occurred weeks after Alan was asked to move out.
The victims were identified by the Billings Gazette as Megan Ireland-Ghekiere, 39; her children Chloe Ireland, 7, and Owen Ireland, 13; her two stepchildren Charlotte Ghekiere, 12, and Landon Ghekiere, 15; her parents Dana Smith, 73, and Barbara Smith, 72; and Dana's 92-year-old mother Evelyn Smith.
According to the Associated Press, Alan targeted his grandmother, parents, sister and her children.
Shortly after his rampage, Alan took his own life, police said.
Officers were notified about the terrifying situation after Charlotte called 911, her family friends previously told the AP.
"The one thing we do know is that Charlotte was the hero," Jennifer Mercer, a neighbor, told the outlet. "Charlotte called 911. She tried to save her family. And that's something the family does want out there."
Brad Ireland, father to Owen and Chloe, spoke out about the shooter, stating that his past behavior inspired several "red flags."
He described Alan as a "hermit" who spent the majority of his time on the computer.
"There were many red flags and many people spoke out," he told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "No one listened."
Despite earning a degree from Eastern Washington University, Alan struggled to hold a job, Ireland said.
Following the shooting, Alan set the house ablaze.
Officers are still working through the wreckage, PEOPLE reported.
Billings Mayor Mike Nelson said it would be hard to find someone in the city of 120,000 who did not have some connection to the victims or feel an impact from their deaths.
"There was shock at first. Now there are people who are deeply upset. And they should be. There are people who are angry. That's OK too," he said. "We'll come together. We'll support the family."
