Tragic Shreveport Massacre: Father Kills 8 Children in Domestic Shooting Spree, Officials Release Names and Timeline
Shreveport, Louisiana – In one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history, authorities have identified eight young children killed by their father, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, during a horrific domestic violence rampage early Sunday morning. The victims, ranging in age from 3 to 11, included seven of Elkins’ own children and one cousin, leaving a community in mourning and two women critically injured.
Confirmed Identities and Heartbreaking Details
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office released the names of the victims on Sunday, confirming three boys and five girls lost their lives: 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.[1][2]
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon described the incident as “entirely a domestic incident,” noting that Elkins and his wife, the mother of the seven children, were in the process of separating and were scheduled for a court appearance on Monday.[2][3] A cousin of one of the wounded women, Crystal Brown, revealed the couple had been arguing over the separation prior to the shootings.[2]
Detailed Timeline of the Rampage
The violence unfolded rapidly before sunrise across multiple locations in a Shreveport neighborhood south of downtown. According to police timelines:
- 6:01 a.m.: A frantic 911 call reported that Shamar Elkins had shot everyone inside a home near Lynnwood. The caller, who fled to the backyard with some children via the roof, identified Elkins as the suspect.[1]
- 6:07 a.m.: A second call came from the 500 block of Harrison Street, where a woman reported her boyfriend had shot her and fled with three children.[1][3]
- 6:08 a.m. and onward: Officers responded to scenes including West 79th Street, where multiple deceased victims were found.[1]
- 7:03 a.m.: Elkins was pronounced dead at the scene on Brompton Lane following a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting.[1][2][5]
Seven children were killed inside one house, with an eighth found dead on the roof after attempting to escape. Another child who jumped from the roof survived and was hospitalized.[2] Two women, including Elkins’ wife, remain in critical condition.[2][3]
Police Pursuit and Suspect’s End
After the shootings, Elkins fled in a carjacked vehicle. A police pursuit ensued, culminating in officers firing on him, resulting in his death at 7:03 a.m. No officers were harmed, and Louisiana State Police have joined the investigation, urging the public to submit any photos, videos, or information.[4][5]
Community and Official Reactions
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed devastation over the tragedy. “We have multiple families affected, so we’re doing the best we can,” Bordelon said during a Sunday evening update, emphasizing efforts to notify families before releasing further details.[3]
The attack marks the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years, surpassing an incident in a Chicago suburb in January 2024 where eight were killed.[2][4] Neighbors described the area as shaken, with police tape cordoning off homes on West 79th Street, Harrison Street, and Brompton Lane.[4]
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives have ruled out any external motives, focusing on the domestic nature of the violence. The motive remains under investigation, but the impending court date for the couple’s separation looms large. State police are assisting local authorities, and the public is encouraged to provide tips anonymously.[4]
As the community grapples with unimaginable loss, grief counseling resources are being mobilized. Vigils are planned, and officials urge residents to come together in support of the affected families.