The identities of the eight children killed in a horrific shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, have been released, with the suspect identified as Shamar Elkins, 31, a U.S. veteran and the father of most of the victims.
According to the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office, the young victims include: 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).
All were killed in a series of attacks that occurred around 6 a.m. Sunday, after Elkins got into an argument with his wife.
Officials said Elkins was the father of seven of the children and the uncle of the remaining victim. The suspect was a U.S. veteran, and the victims were discovered in their home in Shreveport.
Police said most of the children were shot in the head while they were sleeping. One child died on the roof while attempting to escape.
During the violent spree, Elkins also shot and wounded two women—identified as the children's mothers. One, Elkins' wife, was shot in the face inside the home where the incident occurred. The other, believed to be his girlfriend, was shot at another nearby home, reminiscent of previous cases of shooting relatives and pursuing a spouse. Both are currently in critical condition.
According to relatives, Elkins and his wife were in the process of separating and were scheduled to appear in court the following day. The dispute regarding their relationship mirrored a shooting after a tense argument before this horrific tragedy struck.
After committing the crimes at multiple locations, Elkins fled, carjacked a vehicle, and was shot dead by police during the pursuit.
Relatives described the victims as “happy, friendly, and very lovable children.”
Notably, just hours before the incident, Elkins had posted a photo of himself having dinner alone with his eldest daughter. Previously, on Easter, he posted a photo with all his children outside a church, calling it the first time he had attended service with all of them. This tragedy has once again brought public attention to gun safety issues within families.
The incident remains under investigation.
