New details have emerged about the final days and online activity of Shamar Elkins, the Louisiana father responsible for a devastating mass shooting that left eight children dead in Shreveport.
Authorities say the 31-year-old carried out the attack across multiple homes early on April 19, killing seven of his own children and one other child in what investigators describe as a domestic violence-related tragedy.
In the days leading up to the killings, Elkins shared several posts on social media that now appear deeply unsettling in hindsight.
One post in particular, shared as a prayer, asked for strength and emotional stability, with Elkins writing about struggling with anger, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
He also made a separate post that has drawn widespread attention, responding to a question about fatherhood and relationships, where he reportedly wrote:
“Hell yeah I would.”
On the evening of Saturday, April 18, just hours before the killings, Elkins also posted a photograph to Facebook showing him and his eldest daughter at a restaurant.
She was eating a burger, while he appeared to be enjoying the moment with her. The caption read:
“Lol!!!! Took my oldest on a lil 1 on 1 date had to catch her down bad ugh ugh,” followed by laughing and crying emojis.
Investigators have also highlighted another message that now stands out in light of what followed. In conversations with family, Elkins allegedly said:
“Some people don’t come back from their demons.”
According to reports, those closest to him noticed signs of emotional distress in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, including references to mental strain and personal struggles.
Despite these warning signs, the situation escalated rapidly on the morning of the attack, which left multiple children dead and two women critically injured.
After the shootings, Elkins fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, leading police on a chase that ended in a confrontation with officers, where he was shot and killed.
The case has since sparked renewed discussion about mental health, domestic instability, and warning signs that may precede extreme violence.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to piece together what led to one of the most devastating incidents in the area in recent years.
