Multiple people, including children, have died after a shooting and fire at a home in the US. The family members died at a Billings West End home on Sunday after police rushed to the scene following reports of a fire.
In the initial 911 call to the residence at 315 White Star Circle, gunshots could be heard in the background. Montana police announced on Monday that children and adults were killed in the incident and the male suspect is dead.
Complex investigation underway
Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell said at a news conference that law enforcement has identified all people involved in the incident, including a suspect, but is not yet releasing their names. O’Donnell said that the incident began as a family disturbance, and he was “deeply saddened” after speaking with family members of those involved.
He said: “As you can see, just by the amount of agencies involved in this, this is a very, very complex investigation. When the call went out last night for assistance, the cavalry was coming.”
Firefighters faced gunfire
Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said when firefighters arrived at the scene at 6.02pm they encountered gunfire, preventing them from conducting normal suppression efforts. The scene became complex and dangerous and emergency services worked to secure the area and keep the public safe.
Hoppel said: "Because the scene could not be immediately confirmed as secure, our firefighters were unable to operate as we normally would." Firefighters had to tackle the flames using water from trucks due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, slowing down the response.
Suspect found with self-inflicted wound
Fire crews were able to ensure the blaze did not spread to any other properties. Officials confirmed that the house was fully consumed by the flames with neighbouring homes sustaining minor heat damage.
Billings Assistant Police Chief Shawn Mayo said a man was discovered outside the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital and later died. O’Donnell said deputies from Stillwater and Carbon counties also responded to assist.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and the investigation continues, with O'Donnell claiming more information will be released on Wednesday.
