A devastating domestic violence incident in Shreveport, Louisiana, left eight children dead and two women hospitalized with serious injuries early Sunday morning. The suspected gunman, identified as 33-year-old Shamar Elkins, died following a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting.
The victims included seven of Elkins’ own children and one cousin, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified them 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. Five girls and three boys lost their lives in what authorities characterized as an execution-style shooting.
The incident began around 5 a.m. as a domestic dispute. According to police, Elkins first shot a woman in the face at one location before proceeding to a nearby residence where the children were located. Two adult women sustained serious gunshot wounds but are expected to survive. One of the injured women was identified as Elkins’ wife. Family members indicated the couple had been arguing about their separation and were scheduled for a court appearance on Monday.
Authorities reported that Elkins targeted the victims even as some attempted to escape through windows and onto the roof of the house. One child was discovered deceased on the roof. A 13-year-old sustained injuries after jumping from the roof to escape but is expected to recover. Another victim managed to reach an adjacent residence and contact emergency services.
Following the shootings, Elkins fled the scene and carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint. Police pursued him into neighboring Bossier Parish, where officers opened fire, resulting in his death. The Louisiana State Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
Elkins had previously pleaded guilty to a weapons charge in 2019 and served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signal support system specialist and fire support specialist. Neighbors expressed shock at the tragedy, with one resident noting he had seen Elkins with his children just the evening before, describing what appeared to be a normal family scene.
Investigators recovered multiple weapons, including a handgun at the residence and a rifle-style handgun on Elkins’ person. Police Chief Wayne Smith stated that more than 30 officers and detectives are working to process evidence from multiple crime scenes.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Shreveport community, with Mayor Tom Arceneaux calling it potentially the worst tragic situation the city has ever experienced. City Councilman Grayson Boucher noted that the single incident more than doubled Shreveport’s homicide count for the year, highlighting that over 30 percent of the city’s crimes and murders are domestic in nature.
State and federal officials have expressed condolences and support for the community. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Senator Bill Cassidy offered prayers for those affected, while House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose district includes Shreveport, called it a heartbreaking tragedy.
The incident marks the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, reigniting discussions about domestic violence and gun safety. The Louisiana Attorney General’s office confirmed that multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating in the investigation to understand the full circumstances of this devastating event.