4 children, 4 adults killed in shooting and fire at Montana home, police say

Four children and four adults were killed when a gunman opened fire at a Billings, Montana, home that was then set alight, authorities said Tuesday. Billings police released the number but continued to keep identities of the dead undisclosed in what they said is a homicide investigation. “To protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation and the recovery efforts currently underway, no additional information will be released at this time,” the police department said in a joint statement issued with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. “This a complex process,” they added, citing the structural integrity of the home due to the fire. Police characterized the incident Sunday evening near the city’s West End neighborhood as a family disturbance. The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot, NBC affiliate KULR of Billings reported. A possible motive was not available. At a news conference Monday, Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell asked for “patience as we complete this investigation.” Billings police and county sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the shooting in the 300 block of White Star Circle at 6:01 p.m. Sunday, police said on Facebook. O’Donnell said gunshots could be heard during the 911 call. Officers and deputies reached the scene in roughly 10 minutes and at that point heard gunfire from the back of the residence, the police department said. Three minutes later, the home was fully engulfed in flames, it said. Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers taking cover behind patrol SUVs on the street near the home as a small tactical team behind a handheld shield moved toward the structure. Firefighters were dispatched but may have faced water access issues and fewer fire hydrants than might be ideal, officials said. “The delay in limited access presented significant challenges, fire conditions continued to worsen, and the residents ultimately became ... consumed by fire,” Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said at Monday’s news conference. The origin of the blaze was also under investigation. Billings Police Sgt. Jeff Stovall said in a statement Monday that some information was being withheld “to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.” “There are details we simply cannot release at this time,” he said. If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For additional resources, visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.