Mom of two children who were among 8 family members killed in Montana house massacre speaks out about honoring slain kids

The grieving Montana mother of two children who were among eight family members killed in a mass home shooting and fire as they gathered for Sunday dinner has spoken out about “honoring” her slain kids.Erica Schneider’s biological children, Landon and Charlotte Ghekiere, were caught up in madman Alan Smith’s rampage when he opened fire on his relatives at the Billings, Mt., home before setting the property alight and turning the weapon on himself. The ages of Smith’s victims, a blended family, ranged from 7 to 92.“To my family, friends, and strangers; thank you for the continued support you have given to myself, Danny [her current husband], and [her ex-husband] Adam [Ghekiere],” she wrote on Facebook Tuesday, addressing the shooting for the first time. “We are beyond appreciative of you all and hope to have your help with honoring the lives of Landon, Charlotte, and the Smith family.” Landon, 15, and Charlotte, 12, were killed in a “senseless act of violence,” their family said in a fundraiser created for Schneider.Landon was preparing to start his senior year at Billings’ Senior High School and was set to get his driver’s license this week before he was gunned down.He was described as a “patient, protective and loving big brother,” while sister Charlotte, who was set to move into the seventh grade, had an “angelic smile” and a passion for exploring for bugs.“These two precious children leave behind a hole that is impossible to comprehend, along with a family facing unimaginable grief,” they said.Charlotte Ghekiere “tried to save her family” by calling 911 from inside the home, family friend Jennifer Mercer said.“The one thing we do know is that Charlotte was the hero,” she said.Landon and Charlotte’s stepmom, Megan Ghekiere, her biological children 7-year-old Chloe Ireland, and 13-year-old Owen Ireland, Alan Smith’s parents, Dana and Barb, and his 92-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Smith, were also identified as vic...