BILLINGS — Multiple people, including children, were killed Sunday evening in a shooting at a west Billings home that was also set on fire, authorities said. Police characterized the incident as a family disturbance and said the suspected shooter was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police response and scene conditions
An officer responded to a report of an active shooter at a residence in Billings’ west end at about 6 p.m., according to the Billings Police Department. The officer heard gunfire coming from the rear of the house and arrived to find the dwelling fully involved in flames.
Firefighters were dispatched but could not immediately enter because officers first had to secure the scene. Billings Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said limited access and water availability complicated suppression efforts, and the fire continued to intensify.
“The delay in limited access presented significant challenges, fire conditions continued to worsen and the residents ultimately became … consumed by fire,”
Hoppel warned that the blaze and the water used to fight it will slow investigators’ work at the scene.
Casualties and suspect
Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell said Monday that all the victims targeted in the shooting are dead and included “multiple adults and multiple juveniles.” Officials have identified the victims, O’Donnell said, but he declined to release names, ages or an exact death toll while the investigation continues and family notifications are completed.
Police located a suspect outside the house with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The individual was transported to a hospital and later died, officials said. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity.
Numbers and public information
As of Tuesday morning, authorities had not publicly disclosed the precise number of people killed. An online fundraiser mentioned by several media outlets identified two victims as minors and suggested a total of eight fatalities, but law enforcement has not confirmed that figure.
| Known detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of call | About 6 p.m., Sunday |
| Location | West Billings residence |
| Victims | Multiple adults and multiple juveniles; identities not released |
| Suspect | Found outside with self-inflicted gunshot wound; later died in hospital |
| Fire | Dwelling fully engulfed; suppression hampered by scene security and water access |
Investigation status and next steps
Sheriff O’Donnell said investigators are working to process the scene but that the fire and water used to fight it will complicate evidence recovery. He asked the public for patience as detectives complete their work.
Officials have not released information about a possible motive or how the fire began. Law enforcement has also asked people to avoid the immediate scene while the investigation is underway.
Community impact and resources
A toll like this — involving multiple fatalities and children — has profound effects on families and the broader Billings community. Authorities met Monday with family members “from both sides” of the incident, O’Donnell told local reporters, as they begin the process of notifications and victim services.
Local agencies typically make counselors and victim advocates available after incidents of mass violence; anyone needing information on resources should contact Yellowstone County victim services or the Billings Police Department for guidance.
- Authorities responded to a report of a shooter at about 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Police found the home fully engulfed; firefighting was limited until the scene was secured.
- Multiple victims, including children, were killed; officials have identified victims but have not released names or an official death count.
The investigation remains active. The Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said they will release additional details as they are able. Members of the public with information are asked to contact local law enforcement.
Travis Wheeler
State correspondent, WE NEWS
