On April 19, 2026, during the early morning hours, officers responded to a domestic violence shooting that unfolded across multiple locations in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Upon arrival, they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds at two separate homes. Eight children were pronounced deceased at the scene, while two adult women were transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
The victims were identified as 3-year-old Jayla Elkins, 5-year-old Shayla Elkins, 6-year-old Kayla Pugh, 7-year-old Layla Pugh, 10-year-old Markaydon Pugh, 11-year-old Sariahh Snow, 6-year-old Khedarrion Snow, and 5-year-old Braylon Snow.
Investigators determined that 8 victims in total were shot, with only two surviving victims—both adult women.
Police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Shamar Elkins, who was the father of seven of the eight children killed.
According to investigators, the incident began at a residence on Harrison Street, where Elkins allegedly shot his wife, who is also the mother of several of the children. He then traveled to a second home on West 79th Street near Linwood Avenue, where he shot another woman along with the children.
A 13-year-old boy was able to escape the home by jumping from the roof. He sustained broken bones but is expected to survive.
Authorities say the crime scene spans four locations, including both residences, the site of a carjacking where Elkins allegedly stole a vehicle, and the location in Bossier City where the incident ended.
Following the shootings, Elkins fled the area, leading law enforcement on a chase into Bossier City. The pursuit ended in the 400 block of Brompton Lane, where gunfire was exchanged between Elkins and officers.
Elkins was fatally shot at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of officer gunfire.
One of the injured women, who is believed to be Elkins’ wife, was shot in the face and underwent surgery. She is expected to survive. The condition of the second woman remains critical.
Investigators confirmed that multiple families were impacted by the shooting, and at this time, the identity and parental relationship of one of the victims is still being determined.
The Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation into the shooting involving law enforcement. Officials confirmed that no officers were injured.
Authorities described the incident as one of the most extensive and devastating scenes they have encountered.
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