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Eight children shot dead in Shreveport home
A man identified as Shamar Elkins opened fire in a Louisiana residence on Sunday, killing seven of his own children and an unrelated child aged between one and 14, authorities confirmed. The attack, described by police as a "domestic disturbance," began around 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT). Elkins fled the scene in a stolen vehicle before officers pursued and fatally shot him in a nearby parish.
Victims and survivors
Two adult women, including the children's mother, remain in critical condition. A ninth child survived by jumping from the roof and is receiving hospital treatment. Police reported that one victim escaped to a neighbor's home to alert authorities. All deceased victims were minors, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon.
Timeline of the attack
(05:00) Elkins allegedly shot a woman on the street before entering a residence where the children were located. He fired at 10 individuals, killing eight, before stealing a car and fleeing. Officers intercepted him in Bossier Parish, where he was shot dead during the pursuit.
Police confirmed the gunman acted alone but have not disclosed a motive. Family members told media outlets that Elkins and his wife were in the midst of a divorce, with a court hearing scheduled for Monday.
Family accounts and reactions
Elkins's brother-in-law, Troy Brown, told the Washington Post that the suspect had exhibited erratic behavior following his wife's request for a divorce. "After the first argument about the divorce, he acted like he was losing his mind," Brown said. A cousin of one of the wounded women, Crystal Brown, told the Associated Press the couple had been due in court the day after the shooting.
"This is a tragic situation-maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport. We have hurting families, hurting police officers, coroners' personnel. This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux
Community and official responses
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed shock at the scale of the violence, stating, "I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur." The investigation, supported by Louisiana State Police and other agencies, is ongoing. Councilman Grayson Boucher noted that over 30% of the city's crimes and murders are linked to domestic disputes, calling the incident a devastating escalation.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the district, both issued statements of condolence. Johnson praised the rapid response of local law enforcement, while Landry thanked first responders for their efforts.
Context and broader impact
The Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit tracking U.S. shootings, classified the incident as the deadliest mass shooting since January 2024, when eight people were killed in Joliet, Illinois. The organization defines a mass shooting as an event where four or more victims are shot, excluding the perpetrator.
