Daijiworld Media Network – Louisiana
Louisiana, Apr 20: In a horrific incident, a gunman killed eight minors, including seven of his own children, in a domestic violence shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday before being shot dead by police following a vehicle chase.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, seven bodies were discovered inside the house where the shooting took place, while an eighth minor died while attempting to escape via the rooftop. Officials described one of the crime scenes as “incredibly gruesome.”
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect initially shot a woman before proceeding to a nearby residence, where he opened fire on the children. The victims were aged between one and 14 years.
Two women sustained serious injuries in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Police said the suspect and one of the injured women were the parents of seven of the children.
The accused has been identified as Shamar Elkins, according to officials from the mayor’s office.
After the shootings, Elkins allegedly carjacked a vehicle and fled the scene. Police pursued him into neighbouring Bossier Parish, where officers opened fire on the vehicle, resulting in his death. The Louisiana State Police is investigating the police shooting.
Describing the incident as unprecedented, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, “This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had.”
Authorities said a comprehensive domestic violence centre is being planned in Caddo Parish to strengthen intervention efforts.
At a press conference, Louisiana State Senator Sam Jenkins stressed the need for better support systems to address domestic violence cases.
“If we have someone with a history of domestic violence, intervention must be continuous and consistent to prevent tragedies like this,” he said.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, US House Speaker Mike Johnson termed the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy,” while Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were praying for those affected.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 119 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, resulting in 117 deaths, including 79 children, and 458 injuries. The archive defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people, excluding the shooter, are injured or killed.