Eight children aged 1–14 were shot dead across two homes in Louisiana. The suspect was identified as Shamar Elkins, a former Army veteran, who was killed after a police chase; a domestic dispute emerged as the key trigger
Shreveport: In one of the most chilling mass killings in recent US history, a 31-year-old man, identified as Shamar Elkins, allegedly shot dead eight children, including seven of his own, in a horrifying early morning rampage in Shreveport. The victims, aged between one and 14 years, were reportedly asleep when the gunman opened fire.
Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly
According to initial police findings, the violence erupted around 6 a.m. on Sunday, following a heated argument between Elkins and his wife. Investigators say the accused, enraged after the dispute, began shooting inside one residence before moving to a second home where the majority of the children were present.
“This appears to be a deeply disturbing case of domestic violence that escalated into unimaginable tragedy,” police officials said.
Two Homes, Eight Young Lives Lost
Authorities confirmed that the attack unfolded across two separate houses, amplifying the scale of the tragedy. Seven children were killed in the second residence, while another child, believed to be his nephew, was also among the victims.
In a desperate attempt to escape, one child was found dead on the roof, while another jumped from the building and survived with serious injuries and is currently hospitalised.
Women Critically Injured in Attack
Police stated that Elkins first shot a woman at the initial location before proceeding to the second house. His wife and another woman, believed to be the mother of some of his children, sustained critical injuries during the incident.
Suspect Killed After Police Chase
Following the mass shooting, Elkins allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to flee. Law enforcement tracked him to Bossier Parish, where he was killed in a police shootout, bringing a dramatic end to the manhunt.
Background and Motive Under Probe
Investigators revealed that Elkins, a retired Army veteran, had fathered four children with his wife and three with another woman. All the children were reportedly together at the time of the attack.
Family members disclosed that the couple was on the verge of separation and had an upcoming court hearing, indicating escalating tensions.
Past Record Raises Questions
Police confirmed that Elkins had been arrested in 2019 on weapons-related charges, though no prior cases of domestic violence were officially recorded. The absence of earlier complaints has raised concerns about undetected domestic instability and access to firearms.
The case is currently being treated as a severe instance of domestic violence leading to mass homicide, with authorities continuing to piece together the exact sequence of events.
