A man has killed seven of his own children along with another child in a devastating shooting in Shreveport a tragedy police say stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Authorities say the violence began early Sunday morning, around 5:00 a.m. After opening fire at a home, the suspect fled the scene in a stolen car.
Police tracked him down and, after a chase, shot and killed him.
The attacker was later identified as Shamar Elkins. Police believe he acted alone.
The victims three boys and five girls were all children between the ages of three and eleven. Seven were his own, while one was related to the family. Their names were later confirmed by the coroner’s office.
Two adult women, including the children’s mother, were also shot and are currently in critical condition. In a desperate attempt to escape, another child jumped from the roof of the house and survived, though they remain in hospital.
Investigators say the attack happened in more than one location.
The suspect is believed to have first shot a woman before moving to another house where he carried out the killings. One of the victims managed to run to a nearby home and call for help.
While officials have not confirmed a motive, relatives told U.S. media that the suspect had been struggling with the breakdown of his marriage.
His brother-in-law said he had become increasingly unstable after his wife asked for a divorce.
The scale of the tragedy has shaken the entire community. Tom Arceneaux described it as possibly the worst incident the city has ever faced, saying the pain has spread across families, emergency responders, and residents alike.
Local officials also pointed to the broader issue of domestic violence.
One council member noted that a significant portion of crimes in the city are tied to domestic situations, and this single act has dramatically pushed up the homicide rate.
Jeff Landry said he and his wife were heartbroken, offering prayers for the victims and their families.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the area, also expressed grief, calling the incident a heartbreaking tragedy for the entire community.
The shooting is now considered the deadliest mass killing in the United States in over two years, highlighting once again the devastating impact of domestic violence and gun-related incidents.
