Father kills 7 of his children plus another child in shooting after domestic dispute, police say
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA/Gray News) – Eight children were killed in a mass shooting that began as a domestic dispute, according to police.
Police say seven siblings and one cousin were killed in the shooting.
According to the coroner, the children 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.
Officials say the suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, was shot and died during a pursuit in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, following the initial shooting. Gunfire was exchanged between the police and Elkins. It was not immediately clear whether Elkins was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot or by a shot fired by police.
Police later confirmed Elkins was the father of seven of the eight children he reportedly shot and killed.
At this time, it’s unclear who the parents of the eighth child are. It was also not immediately specified which of the victims were Elkins’ children.
Two women were also shot, one of which was Elkins’ wife. She is also the mother of some of the children. She was reportedly shot in the face and has undergone surgery, but is expected to survive.
The condition of the other woman, who may also be the mother of some of the children killed, is also very serious.
A ninth child, a 13-year-old boy, reportedly jumped off the roof of the home and was able to get away during the shooting. Police say he has some broken bones, but should be okay physically. A third woman is also believed to have escaped from the incident.
Police say the incident all started on Harrison Street, where Elkins’ wife was shot. Elkins then reportedly went to the second home involved on W 79th Street near Linwood and shot the second woman, as well as the children.
Elkins’ motive remains unclear at this time.
Multiple families have been directly affected by this mass shooting, police say.
“These victims, we have to do right by them,” said Shreveport Police Department Cpl. Chris Bordelon.
Louisiana State Police is investigating this incident. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting in Bossier City.
“Horrible act of violence unlike anything we’ve ever seen in our city,” Bordelon said.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video, or information to share it with state police detectives.
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