Mother of Louisiana Massacre Victim Shared Chilling Warning About Suspect Years Before Killings

The mother of one of the children killed in the deadly Louisiana mass shooting had posted troubling messages about the suspect as far back as 2013, suggesting there may have been early warning signs.

Authorities said Shamar Elkins killed eight children, three boys and five girls, ages 3 to 11, in Shreveport on April 19. Seven of the children were his own, and one was their cousin, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.

The victims were identified 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 was killed during a police pursuit after attempting to flee in a carjacked vehicle. Two women were also shot but survived the incident. One was identified as the suspect’s wife and the other as his girlfriend, according to NBC.

Another victim, a teenager who tried to escape by jumping from the roof, was injured but is now in stable condition, police said.

Sariahh Snow’s mother, Christina Snow, was previously married to the suspect, Shamar Elkins, and frequently referenced him in social media posts.

According to a Facebook post, Snow gave birth to Sariahh in 2013. Some posts appeared to reflect concerns about Elkins over the years.

In December 2016, she wrote, “Wish I never met you Shamar Elkins,” according to People.

In an earlier post dated March 17, 2013, she wrote, “Had a lot of fun wit my family today, now laying in bed watching TV thinking about my hubby ilu Shamar Elkins.”

In December 2015, she wrote, “You say I broke your heart but every day you find someone to be in my inbox for Shamar Elkins. If you loved me, you would still be with me no matter what, but you got somebody and I don’t.”

It remains unclear when the couple separated or whether Christina was the mother of any of the other children who were killed.

Markaydon, 10, was the cousin killed in the shooting. His father, Tony Brown, shared a message on Facebook:

“I love you Mar’Kaydon. Nothing will ever change that. This hurts so bad. Please pray for me and Keosha Pugh on the loss of our only son and our nieces and nephews.”

A GoFundMe organized by Be The Village, a community outreach organization, has been set up to help families with funeral expenses and provide medical assistance for the surviving women.

“The mothers have suffered the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives due to an act of domestic violence,” the organizer wrote. “No family should ever have to endure this level of pain, especially not while worrying about financial burdens. This is bigger than one family—this is about showing what community truly looks like in a time of crisis.”

The motive for the attack has not yet been established. Police Chief Wayne Smith said that in his 46 years in law enforcement, he has never encountered a tragedy of this magnitude.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted our entire community,” he said. “The loss of these young lives is devastating, and our hearts are with the families affected.”