Emotional funeral held for eight children killed in Louisiana mass shooting

A grieving Louisiana community came together on Saturday, May 9, for an emotional funeral service honoring eight children killed in a devastating domestic shooting last month in Shreveport.

The victims — seven siblings and their cousin were remembered during the service at Summer Grove Baptist Church, where mourners gathered alongside faith leaders, local officials, and residents to pay tribute to lives cut tragically short.

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.

During the service, attendees dressed in pink, purple, and blue, and visited white caskets arranged with photos of the children, some shown alongside their favorite cartoon and Disney characters. 

The atmosphere was marked by prayer, music, and emotional reflection as mourners gathered to say goodbye.

A symbolic crowning ceremony was also held, with flowers and crowns placed on each child’s casket to represent the belief in eternal life.

Church leaders delivered messages of faith and resilience amid overwhelming grief. Pastor Kim Burrell told mourners that “God is still on the throne,” while Bishop Bernard Kimble of Mount Olive Baptist Church urged the congregation to hold on to faith, saying, “God is still good.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux also spoke at the service, describing the children as bright and cherished members of their community.

“Their presence was a gift: gentle, vibrant and full of promise,” he said. “Their absence is now deeply felt.”

Funeral pamphlets distributed at the service included personal tributes to each child, highlighting their personalities and the joy they brought to their families. 

Khedarrion Snow was remembered for his “sweet and loving heart,” while Layla Pugh was described as a “bright, intelligent, bold and full of love” child who enjoyed making TikTok videos with her siblings.

Other children were affectionately remembered by nicknames used by family members, reflecting the closeness of their relationships and the everyday joy they shared before the tragedy.

Authorities said the children were killed on April 19 in a domestic shooting at a Shreveport residence. 

Police identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, who was later fatally shot by officers following a carjacking and attempted escape.

Officials said seven of the children were Elkins’ own, while the eighth victim was a cousin. Two women survived the attack, and a 12-year-old girl escaped by jumping from the home, suffering serious injuries.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims, calling them children who “were the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms.”