A deadly series of shootings in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday left eight children dead — seven of them the suspect’s own — authorities said. Police identified the alleged shooter as Shamar Elkins. The children who were killed ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old.
Shreveport police said a total of 10 people were struck by gunfire. Two adult women sustained serious injuries and a teenager was wounded; those injuries were not considered life-threatening. Officers first arrived just after 6 a.m. ET at a residence where several victims had been shot. Investigators say the suspect initially shot a woman in the street, then went to a nearby home where the eight fatalities occurred. One person managed to escape to an adjacent house and called police.
After the shootings the suspect fled, carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint and was pursued by officers. The chase ended in neighboring Bossier Parish, where police said officers fired and killed the suspect. Because the suspect’s death involved an officer, detectives from the Louisiana State Police will investigate the circumstances.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said investigators will examine all evidence from each scene. City Councilman Grayson Boucher characterized the attack as a case of domestic violence that will significantly raise the city’s homicide count. Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the incident devastating for the community.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said multiple law enforcement agencies are working the case. Gov. Jeff Landry, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and House Speaker Mike Johnson issued statements offering condolences and support for the victims’ families. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, whose organization focuses on preventing gun violence, described the killings as a devastating act of domestic gun violence. The White House said it was monitoring the situation.