“Even in her final moments, she tried to save her family”.
Charlotte Ghekiere was just 12 years old when she called 911 for help while her family was being attacked inside their grandparents’ home in Montana. Her call allowed police and firefighters to quickly respond to the scene.
The attacker was Alan Smith, 44, her stepmother’s brother. According to relatives, he had a contentious relationship with his parents, and they had asked him to leave the home. Although authorities have not yet officially confirmed the motive, Smith later returned to the house and shot those who were there. He then set the place on fire and took his own life.
The tragedy left eight victims, including Charlotte, her 15-year-old brother, her stepmother, other children, and relatives.
“Charlotte was the heroine”, they emphasized after learning that she was the one who alerted emergency services. In the midst of a terrifying situation and at just 12 years old, her reaction was to pick up the phone and try to get help for those who were with her.