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Shreveport shooting leaves eight children dead
A gunman fatally shot eight children-seven of them his own-before dying in a confrontation with police in Shreveport, Louisiana, authorities confirmed on Monday. Two survivors, a woman and a child, leapt from a rooftop to flee the attack.
Timeline of the attack
Emergency services received a call at 05:55 CDT (11:55 GMT) on Sunday from a person trapped on the roof of a residence, reporting an active shooter inside. Police later revealed the caller and a child had escaped by jumping from the house.
The suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, then targeted a second home, where he shot an adult woman and abducted her three children. Minutes afterward, officers located Elkins and engaged in a gunfight. He was found dead at the scene, though it remains unclear whether he was killed by police or took his own life. None of the abducted children were in the vehicle.
Victims and survivors
The eight children killed ranged in age from 3 to 11. The Caddo Parish coroner's office released their names: 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. Seven were siblings; one was their cousin.
Two adult women, including the children's mother, sustained gunshot wounds and were hospitalized in stable condition. A ninth child was treated after jumping from the roof during the escape.
Investigation and motive
Police have not determined a motive but described the incident as stemming from a domestic dispute. Chief Wayne Smith confirmed Elkins had a criminal record but did not elaborate. The weapon used was an "assault-style" firearm, though its origin remains unknown.
Officials noted Elkins was reportedly undergoing divorce proceedings and had a court appearance scheduled for Monday. The investigation is ongoing.
Community response
Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn addressed the tragedy at a press conference, expressing disbelief that such violence occurred just days after the city opened a new domestic violence center.
"I don't believe any of us could have imagined that only days later our community would be shaken by the most heart-breaking tragedy we have ever witnessed."
Sheriff Henry Whitehorn
Local authorities emphasized the need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence.
