Eight Children Killed in Shreveport Domestic Shooting; Suspect Dead

In Shreveport, Louisiana, a mass shooting early Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of eight children, aged between 1 and 14 years. The incident, described by authorities as domestic in nature, also left two adult women injured. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, was killed following a police pursuit.

The violence unfolded across multiple locations. Elkins first shot a woman on Harrison Street before proceeding to a residence on West 79th Street, where he fatally shot eight children. One of the victims was found on the roof of an adjacent home, apparently attempting to escape. After the shootings, Elkins carjacked a vehicle, leading police on a chase into Bossier City, where he was shot and killed by officers.

Authorities confirmed that seven of the deceased children were Elkins' own, and the injured women included the children's mother. The victims' identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Elkins had a prior firearms-related conviction from 2019 but was not known to have ongoing domestic issues.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed profound grief, stating, "This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also conveyed their condolences and support for the affected families and community.

The Caddo Parish District Attorney emphasized the need to address domestic violence as a public crisis. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.