A father shot and killed his seven children and one other child in Louisiana on Sunday morning. The devastating mass shooting also left two women, the gunman’s wife and girlfriend, critically injured. The father, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, carried out the deadly attack at two residences just before sunrise in the community of Shreveport.
At the first house, located south of downtown Shreveport, Elkins opened fire at a woman believed to be his girlfriend, Christiana Snow, injuring her. Afterwards, he got into a vehicle and drove to the second house. Once there, he began shooting the occupants of the house. Elkins shot and injured a woman, believed to be his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh. He also killed his seven children and the son of his wife’s sister. Some of the victims were frantically trying to escape.
Police found seven children inside, including some who were seemingly trying to escape through the back door. The eighth child on the roof after apparently trying to flee. There was one child who managed to escape the incident by jumping from the roof but sustained injuries while doing so. The child was taken to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
After the shootings, Elkins fled the area in a carjacked red Kia Sportage, but police traced him, leading to a short pursuit. The chase ended when officers confronted him, and he was fatally shot. Investigators believe the incident is rooted in a domestic dispute. Early information suggests Elkins and his wife had been experiencing difficulties and were in the process of separating.
Crystal Brown, the cousin of one of the injured women, told the media that Elkins and his wife had arguments about the separation. They had a court date scheduled on Monday.
Brown shared that Elkins and his wife had four children together. His other three children were mothered by the first injured woman, who lived nearby. Brown said all the children were spending time together at the same house when Elkins carried out the heinous act.
The eight deceased are comprised of five girls and three boys. Elkins’ seven children have been identified as 11-year-old Sariahh Snow, 7-year-old Layla Pugh, 6-year-old Khedarrion Snow, 6-year-old Shayla Elkins, 6-year-old Kayla Pugh, 5-year-old Braylon Snow, and 3-year-old Jayla Elkins. The eighth child, the son of the wife’s sister, is 10-year-old Mar’Kaydon Pugh. Brown described the Elkins’ children as jovial, friendly and sweet.
Authorities have described the incident as the deadliest mass shooting the country has seen in over two years. Police confirmed that Elkins had a previous firearms-related arrest in 2019, but there had been no recent reports indicating domestic violence prior to the attack.
