Louisiana Gunman Kills 8 Children In Domestic Violence Attack, Dies During Police Chase
Eight children killed in Louisiana domestic shooting, suspect dies during police chase as authorities investigate motive and circumstances.
Eight children killed in Louisiana domestic shooting, suspect dies during police chase as authorities investigate motive and circumstances.
A gunman killed 8 children in a domestic violence incident on Sunday in Shreveport, Louisiana, before police fatally shot him during a vehicle chase, authorities said.
Seven bodies were found inside the house where the shooting occurred, while the eighth child died attempting a rooftop escape, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon, who told local media one crime scene was “incredibly gruesome”.
Preliminary information indicated the suspect first shot a woman before going to a nearby home where he killed the children, police said in a Facebook post. The children’s ages ranged from about 1 to 14.
Two women were being treated at a hospital for serious injuries, the post added.
The suspect and one of the injured women were the parents of 7 of the children, Bordelon told local media. One woman sustained life-threatening injuries, and multiple families were affected. The shooting began shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, according to Leigh Anne Evensky, director of communications for the mayor’s office.
The suspect allegedly carjacked a vehicle after the shootings and was killed when police fired at the vehicle during a chase into neighbouring Bossier Parish. Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into the shooting of the suspect.
“This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
The mayor said efforts are underway to establish a comprehensive domestic violence centre in coordination with the Caddo Parish sheriff.
At a news conference, Louisiana state Senator Sam Jenkins said the incident highlights the need for stronger intervention measures.
“If we have someone with a history of domestic violence, let’s make sure that those resources, that intervention is there on a continuous and consistent basis, hopefully to avoid what we’ve seen here today,” Jenkins said.
Authorities said the motive remains unclear as investigations continue.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” while Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were “praying for everyone affected.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 119 mass shootings in the United States this year, resulting in 117 deaths, including 79 children, and 458 people injured.
