What we know about the killing of 8 children in Louisiana, the deadliest US mass shooting since 2024
Shreveport Mass Shooting Claims 8 Lives, Marking Deadliest Since 2024
Early Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana, a violent incident left eight children dead, becoming the nation’s most lethal mass shooting in over two years. The attack, attributed to 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, unfolded across at least two locations before dawn, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Authorities confirmed the shooting was domestic in origin, with Elkins targeting his family members and a cousin before fleeing in a carjacked vehicle.
Victims Identified
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s office listed the victims 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). Elkins’ wife, Shaneiqua Pugh (34), and another woman, the mother of the eighth child, sustained life-threatening injuries during the rampage.
Timeline of the Incident
Shreveport Police Cpl. Chris Bordelon reported the first calls about gunfire in the Cedar Grove neighborhood shortly after 6 a.m. local time. Elkins reportedly opened fire at his wife’s residence on Harrison Street before moving to a home on West 79th St., where he shot the remaining victims. A 13-year-old boy escaped via the roof but was injured, according to police.
“This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux during a press briefing.
Elkins, who had previously served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020, was never deployed and left the service as a private. Records indicate he had two prior criminal convictions, including charges related to weapon use and driving under the influence. In March 2019, he fired at a vehicle after being threatened, according to an arrest report.
Gunman’s Escape and Capture
Following the attack, described by authorities as domestic in origin, the perpetrator escaped in a stolen car. Police pursued him into Bossier Parish, where they eventually shot and killed him. The suspect was found with a rifle, and the chase led to his demise at the scene.
“Officers located the stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit continued into Bossier Parish, where officers ultimately engaged the suspect. Officers were forced to discharge their department-issued firearms, neutralizing the suspect, who was pronounced deceased at the scene,” stated Shreveport police on Facebook.
This incident surpasses the previous deadliest mass shooting in the US, which occurred in January 2024 when a 23-year-old man killed eight people, mostly relatives, in a Chicago suburb. The Gun Violence Archive reports at least 114 mass shootings have taken place this year, with the threshold for classification being four or more victims, excluding the shooter.
Still Seeking Answers
Police continue investigating the motive behind the attack, though it is believed to have originated from personal conflicts. A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, shared footage showing the gunman fleeing toward a tire shop. Elkins’ family, as reported by the New York Times, provided additional context about his life and relationships.
