Shreveport, Louisiana – A devastating tragedy has shaken the community of Shreveport, Louisiana, where authorities say eight children between the ages of 1 and 14 and suspected gunman Shamar Elkins were involved in a horrific domestic-related mass shooting early Sunday morning that left multiple victims dead and others wounded.
According to police, a total of 10 people were shot during the incident. Eight of the victims — all children — lost their lives, while two adult women survived with injuries and were transported for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released the names of the children as officials continue to notify their families.
Officers were first dispatched just after 6 a.m. following reports of gunfire. However, upon arrival, responders quickly realized they were dealing with a far more complex and tragic situation — a domestic disturbance that escalated into a mass shooting spanning multiple locations.
Investigators revealed that some of the children were related to the suspect, making the incident even more heartbreaking. The suspected shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, fled the scene, leading police on a pursuit that ultimately ended in neighboring Bossier City. During the confrontation, Elkins was shot and killed by Shreveport police.
Louisiana State Police have since taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that ended the chase. Authorities confirmed that no officers were injured during the incident.
As investigators work to piece together what led to the violence, no official motive has been publicly released. However, police have stated that the tragedy appears to have stemmed from a domestic situation that spiraled out of control. Officials described the scene as one of the most extensive and complex investigations they have encountered.
Further details have emerged about Elkins’ past. A Shreveport police report dated March 18, 2019, indicates that he had previously been arrested in connection with a weapons-related incident. According to the report, Elkins allegedly fired multiple shots near Caddo Magnet School while children were present on school grounds. Officers at the time recovered shell casings and determined that at least one bullet traveled through a shed and struck or ricocheted near the school boundary.
The same report states that Elkins admitted to firing approximately five shots at a vehicle before being taken into custody. He was booked into city jail, and officers recovered a Ruger 9mm handgun from the residence as evidence.
In the wake of Sunday’s tragedy, Louisiana State Police are urging anyone who may have photos, video footage, or information related to the incident to come forward to assist investigators.
The loss of eight young lives has left the community in mourning, with families and residents grappling with grief and shock. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on uncovering the full sequence of events while supporting those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.
This incident stands as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and gun-related incidents, leaving behind a community searching for answers and healing.
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