Louisiana Father Shamar Elkins Kills Eight Children, Wounds Two Women in Shreveport Attack
Shamar Elkins, a father, fatally shot eight children and wounded two adult women in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday morning. The victims, aged between 3 and 11, included seven of Elkins' own children and one cousin. Authorities identified the deceased children as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; and Braylon Snow, 5.
Police responded to an emergency call at 05:55 CDT (11:55 GMT), where a caller reported being "on top of the house" while the suspect remained inside. A woman and a child subsequently jumped from the roof to escape, both remaining in stable condition. A ninth child was also hospitalised after escaping by jumping from the roof.
The two adult women injured by gunfire are recovering in hospital. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith stated that Elkins subsequently attacked a second home, where he shot another woman, took her three children, and fled. Police located Elkins at approximately 06:29, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Elkins was found dead at the scene; it is unconfirmed whether he died by suicide or police fire. The children taken from the second residence were not found in his vehicle.
Chief Smith indicated that all evidence points to a domestic dispute as the cause, noting Elkins had a criminal history. The weapon used was described as an "assault-style weapon." Officials acknowledged reports that Elkins was undergoing a divorce and had a court appearance scheduled for Monday. The investigation continues, with local authorities highlighting the need for increased efforts to prevent domestic violence.
