Eight children who were tragically killed in Louisiana have now been identified. The incident, carried out by a 31-year-old army veteran named Shamar Elkins, unfolded across three locations in Shreveport early in the morning. According to authorities, Elkins went on a shooting spree before attempting a carjacking and eventually being shot dead by police.
The Shreveport Police Department disclosed that the crime scene spanned three areas in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office released the names of the victims, seven child siblings, and a cousin, whose ages ranged from 3 to 11. The children, three boys, and five girls, were identified by their mothers as Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, and Braylon Snow.
Autopsies have been scheduled for the victims. Shockingly, reports confirmed that seven children were found dead inside one of the houses, while another child was discovered deceased on the roof, presumably trying to escape.
State Representative Tammy Phelps mentioned that some children attempted to flee through the back door. Meanwhile, two injured women are in critical condition. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and US House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed their sorrow and commended law enforcement for their swift response.
The motive behind the violence remains unclear, with authorities indicating it was likely a domestic-related incident. This tragic event marks the deadliest mass shooting in the US since January 2024 when eight individuals were killed in a Chicago suburb.