At least eight people, including multiple children, are dead following a shooting and fire at a home in Billings, Montana, over the weekend, authorities and family members said.
"As law enforcement approached, a male was seen in the backyard and more gunfire was heard," Mayo added.
The man was taken to the hospital with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and was later pronounced dead. His identity and relation to the victims have not yet been released.
Shortly after officials responded to the residence, smoke could be seen billowing from the home before it became engulfed in flames. Fire Chief Matt Hoppel told reporters Monday that firefighters could not safely battle the blaze until authorities had secured the area.
Crews were eventually able to extinguish the flames despite a lack of fire hydrants in the subdivision, Hoppel said. Several neighboring properties were evacuated, including residences across the street, but residents were later allowed to return to their homes.
Authorities have not shared any additional information about the shooting and fire but said the incident is believed to have started as a family disturbance.
Interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O’Donnell said investigators have identified the victims and the male suspect but are withholding their names and ages as the investigation continues.
Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the investigation remains ongoing, led by the sheriff’s office. Due to the condition of the home, O’Donnell said investigators are facing challenges as they work to process the scene.
"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 and move forward."