Multiple people, including children, were killed Sunday evening in a shooting and house fire in Billings, Montana, authorities confirmed Monday. The suspect, who was known to the victims, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the incident. Investigators described the shooting as originating from a familial disturbance, with no indication of a random act of violence.
Law enforcement and fire officials provided updates Monday, detailing the timeline of the incident and challenges faced during response efforts. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Billings Police Department identified the suspect and victims but withheld specific details, including the number of victims, their ages, or names, citing an ongoing investigation.
Immediate Response and Scene Details
Billings police received a 911 call at 6:01 p.m. local time Sunday reporting an active shooter at a residence in the 300 block of White Star Circle, according to the Billings Police Department. Officers arrived within 10 minutes, hearing gunfire from the back of the house upon arrival. Three minutes later, the home was fully engulfed in flames.
Video from the scene showed law enforcement taking cover behind patrol SUVs as a tactical team approached the structure with a handheld shield. Firefighters were dispatched but faced challenges accessing water due to limited hydrants in the area, Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said. The fire’s intensity and water access issues complicated the response, and the structure was ultimately consumed by flames.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell confirmed at a Monday news conference that “multiple adults and multiple juveniles” died in the incident. He declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to preserve evidence. “Because of the fire and obviously water that goes to suppress that fire, it’s going to slow our investigation of the crime scene recovery of evidence,” O’Donnell said. “So we ask for patience as we complete this investigation.”
The Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspect and victims had been identified but did not provide names or additional biographical information. Authorities emphasized that there is no further danger to the public and that the incident stemmed from a family disturbance.
Sgt. Jeff Stovall of the Billings Police Department extended condolences to those affected, saying, “First and foremost, the Billings Police Department extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this awful tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fire Investigation and Evidence Recovery
The origin of the blaze remains under investigation, with officials noting that the fire’s intensity and water access issues hindered their ability to fully assess the scene. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Billings Police Department did not provide a timeline for when additional details, including a possible motive, would be released. Investigators continue to work to determine the sequence of events leading to the shooting and fire.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any weapons or additional evidence have been recovered from the scene. The investigation remains active, with no further updates provided as of Monday evening.