Montana family massacre suspect identified in new photo, friend cites warning signs

Alan Smith, a 44-year-old who entered a Billings, Montana home and killed eight family members before burning the house and committing suicide, has been pictured for the first time. The image was shared by Kelsey Granger, who served as maid of honor at both of Megan Ireland-Ghekiere’s weddings and has known Smith for years. Granger recounted that Smith occasionally directed verbal abuse at Megan and was unkind to her children, though she had never witnessed physical violence.

According to Granger, Smith left the family residence of his own accord near the end of July, without employment or income, and no one expelled him. She said the family did not view him as a violent threat. The killings occurred weeks after his departure, claiming the lives of Megan, her children Chloe and Owen, and several other relatives.