Louisiana Man Shamar Elkins Had Prior Weapons Conviction Before Shooting Eight Children

Shamar Elkins, 31, was convicted in 2019 for illegal use of weapons after firing a gun near a school in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to court records. The incident occurred nearly a decade before he shot and killed eight children on Sunday. Police reported that Elkins had been arrested on March 18, 2019, on charges including illegal use of weapons and carrying a firearm on school property.

In the 2019 event, Elkins drew a 9mm handgun from his waistband and fired five shots at a vehicle during a road-rage incident near Caddo Parish Magnet High School. A stray bullet was found approximately 300 feet from the school, where children were playing outside. No one was injured in that incident.

the 2019 Incident According to police reports, the other driver involved had pulled a silver handgun on Elkins, who was an active member of the Louisiana Army National Guard at the time. The other driver was fleeing when Elkins opened fire. Elkins left the scene but was later located and charged.

In October 2019, Elkins pleaded guilty to illegal use of weapons, and the charge of carrying a firearm on school property was dismissed. He received 18 months of probation. Elkins left the National Guard in August 2020 after seven years of service as a signal support system specialist, without rising above the rank of private.

only other known criminal conviction was for driving while intoxicated in 2016 in Shreveport. A Shreveport Police Department spokesperson stated that officials are not aware of any previous domestic-violence issues involving Elkins. In the recent shooting, Elkins killed seven of his children and one young cousin inside a home in Shreveport.

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. He also shot his wife and girlfriend during the incident. A 13-year-old boy escaped the home by jumping from the roof, sustaining a broken leg, and fled the scene.

U.S. in more than two years.