Eight Children Killed in Domestic Shooting in Shreveport; Suspect Dead After Police Pursuit

Eight children were fatally shot early Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what authorities described as an "execution-style" mass shooting tied to a domestic dispute. The incident, which unfolded around 5 a.m., left two adult women hospitalized with serious injuries and marks the deadliest shooting in the United States in more than two years.

The Shreveport Police Department identified the suspected gunman as Shamar Elkins, who was also killed after authorities pursued him following the rampage. According to police, Elkins first shot a woman—later identified as his wife—in the face at one location before moving to a nearby residence, where he killed seven of his own children and one of their cousins. The victims, ranging in age from 3 to 11 and including five girls and three boys, were identified by the coroner’s office 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.

Authorities said a total of ten people were shot. A 13-year-old child survived after jumping from the roof of the home while attempting to escape. One of the injured adults is Elkins’s wife, while the other is believed to be the mother of several of the children killed. Both are expected to recover. Police reported that one child was found dead on the roof, and another victim managed to flee to a neighboring home to alert authorities.

The tragedy began as a domestic dispute; relatives told investigators the couple had been arguing over their separation and were scheduled for a court appearance the following day. Police believe Elkins used multiple weapons in the attack, recovering a handgun at the scene and a rifle-style handgun from his person.

After the shootings, Elkins carjacked a vehicle and was chased by police, authorities said. The pursuit ended in neighboring Bossier Parish, where officers fatally shot Elkins. Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death due to law enforcement involvement.

Shreveport’s mayor and city officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling the event a tragic blow to the local community. Law enforcement leaders and elected officials noted the ongoing challenge of domestic violence, which accounts for a significant portion of the city’s violent crime.

On Monday, multiple agencies, including Louisiana State Police, continued investigating, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The surviving victims remain hospitalized, and authorities have not indicated the involvement of any additional suspects.