India, Aug. 26 -- A 12-year-old girl, who was one of eight family members killed in a Montana residence, has been recognized as a hero for her courageous act of calling 911 in an attempt to save her family from the tragedy.

Charlotte Ghekiere, aged 12, alerted authorities on Sunday evening when Alan Smith - her stepmother's reclusive brother - began shooting at the family gathered for dinner at their home in Billings.

Following the attack, he set the house on fire and subsequently took his own life.

According to Charlotte's father, Adam Ghekiere, the police informed him that she was the one who made the call shortly after 6 p.m., leading officers to arrive at the residence just minutes afterward.

"The one thing we do know is that Char...