Louisiana Father kills eight children in Shreveport shooting spree

A 31-year-old man, Shamar Elkins, has killed eight children, seven of them his own, in a shooting rampage across multiple locations in Shreveport.

Authorities said the incident unfolded on Sunday morning and involved at least three locations, leaving two additional victims critically injured, including the suspect’s wife.

Police confirmed that Mr Elkins shot the children, aged between three and 11, at close range in what officials described as an execution-style killing.

The victims were identified 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.

Police response

Following the shootings, Mr Elkins reportedly fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, prompting a police chase.

Officers later opened fire, and Mr Elkins died during the pursuit. According to Shreveport Police Department spokesman Cpl. Chris Bordelon, it remains unclear whether he was killed by police or died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Shreveport Mayor, Tom Arceneaux, described the incident as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had.”

Mental health concerns

Family members said Mr Elkins had recently struggled with mental health challenges and had expressed suicidal thoughts.

His mother, Mahelia Elkins, and stepfather, Marcus Jackson, recalled a recent call in which he sounded distressed.

“He told me… he was drowning in dark thoughts,” Mr Jackson said, adding that Mr Elkins had spoken about personal issues, including problems in his marriage to Ms Shaneiqua Pugh.

Background

Mr Elkins previously served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 and later worked for UPS.

Records also show prior legal issues, including convictions for driving while intoxicated and illegal use of weapons.

Community shock

Relatives and acquaintances described Mr Elkins as a devoted but often stressed father, with no immediate signs of the violence that would follow.

A family friend, Ms Betty Walker, said she last saw him days before the incident and noticed nothing unusual.

“My babies — my babies are gone,” she said, reacting to the loss.

Investigation ongoing

Authorities have yet to determine a clear motive for the attack, and investigations are ongoing.

The tragedy has left the community reeling, raising renewed concerns about mental health, domestic crises, and access to firearms.

The incident stands as one of the deadliest family-related mass shootings in recent U.S. history, highlighting urgent issues around mental health intervention and early warning systems.