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Louisiana Man Kills Eight Children, Including Seven of His Own, in Shreveport Shooting
A 31-year-old Louisiana State Guard veteran fatally shot eight children and wounded two women in Shreveport before being killed in a police confrontation. Seven of the children were his, and the incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance amid an impending divorce. Police described the scene as horrific, with investigations ongoing into the motive.
Apr 20, 8:56 AM·2m read9 sources
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Shamar Elkins, 31, killed eight children and seriously injured two women in a shooting spree in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday morning. The victims included seven of his own children and one cousin, aged 3 to 11. Elkins was later shot and killed by police during a chase into neighboring Bossier City.
m. local time, with Elkins first attacking one woman at an initial location before moving to a second nearby home where he targeted the children. Many victims were shot in the head while sleeping, according to police. A ninth child, aged 13, escaped by jumping from the roof and survived with broken bones.
The deceased children 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. Seven were found dead inside the house, while one was discovered on the back roof after attempting to flee.
The two wounded women, believed to be Elkins' wife and girlfriend, were in critical condition. Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon described the incident as a domestic disturbance. Seven of the children were Elkins' with the women, and the eighth was a cousin.
Police reported that Elkins had confessed 'dark thoughts' to relatives in recent weeks. Dispatch audio captured the urgency, with confirmation of shots fired during the subsequent police pursuit. Elkins fled in a stolen vehicle before officers engaged him in Bossier City.
The incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since January 2024, when eight were killed in Joliet, Illinois, according to the Gun Violence Archive. A total of 10 people were shot, with eight fatalities, all children.
Elkins and his wife, Sheniqua Pugh, were in the process of divorcing and scheduled for a court appearance in Shreveport on Monday. Relatives reported Elkins was distraught over the breakup. His brother-in-law, Troy Brown, said Elkins acted like he was losing his mind after arguments about the divorce.
