Father kills 8 children, including his own 7, in Louisiana shooting

Darwin, 20 April : A man shot and killed eight children — seven of them his own — in Shreveport, before being fatally shot by police. The incident is being described as one of the most devastating tragedies in the city’s history.

According to a report by CBS News published on Monday, the victims ranged in age from 1 to approximately 14 years old. The suspected shooter has been identified as Shamar Elkins.

Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said at a press conference that a total of 10 people were struck by gunfire in the incident.

Among the injured, two adult women are in serious condition and receiving treatment, while a teenager was also wounded but is not in life-threatening condition.

Police said the shootings occurred at multiple locations. The suspect first shot a woman on the street, then went to a nearby residence where he killed eight people. One of the victims managed to flee to a neighboring house and alert authorities.

Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana, said on X that multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating the case.

Wayne Smith, Chief of Police in Shreveport, said, “I can’t even begin to imagine how such an event could occur,” adding that investigators will examine every piece of evidence to determine what happened.

Neighbors and relatives grieve in fear and tears following the killings. Photo: Associated Press

City Councilman Grayson Boucher noted that around 30% of crimes and murders in the city are related to domestic violence, and said this single incident has more than doubled the city’s homicide count.

According to Associated Press, officers responded to the residence shortly after 6 a.m. local time on Sunday. The suspect fled, carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint nearby, and was pursued by police. He was later shot and killed during that chase.

Police confirmed the attacker acted alone.

Louisiana State Police said it will conduct a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death, as it involved officers.

Tom Arceneaux, Mayor of Shreveport, said the tragedy has deeply affected the entire community and described it as possibly the worst in the city’s history.

Jeff Landry and his wife Sharon expressed their heartbreak over the incident, while Senator Bill Cassidy said his thoughts are with the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.

Mike Johnson also called the shooting a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, through her organization, described the incident as a devastating act of domestic gun violence and urged greater action against such tragedies.

An official said the White House is also monitoring the situation.