Billings Community Mourns After Multiple Deaths in Shooting and House Fire on White Star Circle

BILLINGS, Mont. — Authorities are investigating a devastating shooting and house fire that left multiple adults and children dead at a home on White Star Circle in Billings’ West End.

The incident began :A 911 call was received at approximately 6:01 p.m. MDT, with gunshots reportedly audible in the background. The first officer arrived around 6:12 p.m. and almost immediately reported additional gunfire coming from behind the residence.

Within minutes, officers observed smoke coming from the home. Firefighters arriving at the scene faced an extremely difficult situation because gunfire prevented them from immediately carrying out normal firefighting operations.

The fire quickly intensified, eventually engulfing the residence. Fire crews also faced challenges because there were no nearby fire hydrants, requiring firefighters to transport and shuttle water to the scene. Despite the circumstances, crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.

The residence was ultimately heavily damaged and essentially destroyed.

One person was transported to a local hospital at approximately 6:48 p.m. but was later pronounced dead, according to authorities.

Investigation Into Multiple Deaths

Authorities have confirmed that multiple adults and children died in connection with the incident. Investigators have also identified the suspected gunman and victims, although officials have not yet publicly released the complete list of names, ages or the exact number of people killed.

Names circulating in connection with the case include Barbara Alice Smith, Dana Leigh Smith, Alan M. Smith and Christopher Smith. However, authorities have not yet publicly confirmed all of the identities, and additional information is expected as the investigation progresses.

Public-record information referenced in preliminary reports has associated some individuals with the White Star Circle address. Such records can contain possible residence or property information and should not be treated as confirmation of a person’s presence at the home or their role in the incident.

Authorities also have not determined whether the fire was deliberately started. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding both the shooting and the blaze.

Major Emergency Response

The incident prompted a massive response from agencies throughout the region, including the Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana State University Billings Police, Billings Fire Department, Airport Fire and Laurel Fire.

Firefighters worked under dangerous conditions while law enforcement officers secured the area and investigated reports of continued gunfire.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office later said the area had been secured and there was no ongoing threat to the public. Residents have been permitted to return to the neighborhood on a house-by-house basis, although authorities continue to ask members of the public to stay away from the immediate investigation area.

Remembering Those Lost

The deaths have left the Billings community confronting an immense tragedy, with families and loved ones mourning the loss of multiple people from the same incident.

Among those named in preliminary information is Barbara Alice Smith, who was reportedly 72 years old and had worked as an Animal Health Technician at the University of Calgary. Her life, like those of the other victims, extended far beyond the circumstances of the tragedy and included years of work, relationships and experiences that mattered to the people who knew her.

For relatives, friends and members of the community, the days ahead will be marked by grief and unanswered questions. The investigation will ultimately seek to establish what happened inside and around the home, how the violence began and what caused the fire.

Authorities continue to process the scene and gather evidence. The investigation remains active, and officials are expected to release additional information, including confirmed identities and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, when it can be responsibly disclosed.

The Billings community is left mourning lives lost in a heartbreaking event, while investigators continue working to understand exactly what happened on White Star Circle.