A gunman identified as Shamar Elkins killed eight children — seven of them his own — and wounded two adults in an early morning domestic violence attack across two homes in Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday, authorities said. The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 12 years old, and one child was found dead on a rooftop after apparently trying to escape. Elkins died following a police pursuit after carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said detectives were confident the shooting was “entirely a domestic incident,” beginning before sunrise when Elkins shot a woman at one home before driving to a second location where most of the children were killed. Seven children were found dead inside the second house. Bordelon said Elkins had been arrested in 2019 in a firearms case and police were not aware of any prior domestic violence issues.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said. State Representative Tammy Phelps said some children tried to escape through the back door. Louisiana State Police have been asked by Shreveport police to assist with the investigation and are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to come forward.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is from Shreveport, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry both issued statements saying they were heartbroken. “We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson said.
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