Shamar Elkins identified as suspect in Shreveport mass shooting involving eight children
Shamar Elkins allegedly shot most of the young victims while they were sleeping
Authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana, have identified Shamar Elkins as the perpetrator of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight children on Sunday.
During a press conference, police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon confirmed that Elkins shot a total of ten people, including his wife and another woman believed to be his girlfriend, before being killed by officers following a high-speed pursuit in a carjacked vehicle.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office released the names of the young victims: Jayla, 3; Shayla, 5; Kayla, 6; Layla, 7; Markaydon, 10; Sariahh, 11; Khedarrion, 6; and Braylon, 5.
Officials stated that seven of the children were Elkins' own, while the eighth was a family friend. A ninth child, aged 13, managed to escape the "disgusting and evil scene" by jumping from a roof, surviving with broken bones.
Police revealed that many of the children were targeted in their sleep at a residence on West 79th Street.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed profound grief, stating, "I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur."
The incident, described as a domestic violence tragedy, began on Harrison Street before moving to a second location.
Elkins was eventually "neutralised" by police in neighbouring Bossier Parish. While the community held prayer vigils on Sunday evening, the motive remains under investigation.
The suspect had recently moved to the area, with neighbours recalling a seemingly normal interaction just one day before the horrific events that have shocked the nation.