Eight children, ranging in age from 1 to approximately 12 years old, were killed in what authorities describe as a domestic violence-related mass shooting that began early Sunday in Shreveport, Louisiana. The suspected gunman, identified by police as Shamar Elkins, is also dead, having been fatally shot after a car chase that ended in Bossier Parish, a neighboring area.
The incident reportedly began at a home on Harrison Street in Shreveport. According to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon, the suspect first shot the mother of seven of the children before killing the eight children. Some of the deceased were Elkins' own children, while an additional child was also killed. The mother was wounded. Authorities initially responded to a home shortly before 6:00 AM local time and discovered the children. The exact sequence of events across two locations and a third site remains under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Attorney General's office.
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Police believe the suspect acted alone. The shootings are characterized as the nation's deadliest mass shooting in over two years. The timeline suggests the incident began around 5:00 AM local time. Following the shootings, the suspect allegedly carjacked a vehicle and fled the scene, leading to a pursuit that concluded with the suspect's death.
Governor Jeff Landry stated that he and his wife were heartbroken by the events. Officials are still in the process of gathering details at the crime scenes, located south of downtown Shreveport. State police have appealed to the public for any photos, videos, or information related to the incident.
