Updated Reports on Shreveport Mass Shooting That Left 8 Children Dead, 2 Women Injured

A mass shooting rocked Shreveport, Louisiana, where eight children were killed and two women were seriously injured in the early hours of April 19. It marks the country’s deadliest mass shooting since January 2024.

The children killed were three boys and five girls, ranging in age from 3 to 11, the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office told CNN.

Seven of the children were the suspect, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins’ children, and one was a cousin, police said. The suspect also shot the mother and tried to carjack a man at gunpoint before attempting to escape.

The Shreveport Police Department informed that it is actively investigating a “tragic domestic violence incident.”

“This incident has resulted in a catastrophic and heartbreaking loss of young lives,” said a statement from the police. “At this time, investigators have confirmed that eight children, ranging in age from approximately one to fourteen years old, were killed inside a residence located in the 300 block of West 79th Street.”

The coroner identified 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 was also killed in a police pursuit.

The two injured women are currently being treated at a local hospital. A teenage victim who tried to escape by jumping from the roof sustained injuries during the incident but is stable, police said.

According to the preliminary investigation, Elkins first shot an adult female on Harrison Street before traveling to the residence on West 79th Street, where the mass shooting was carried out.

After fleeing the scene, the suspect carjacked an adult male at gunpoint near the intersection of Linwood Avenue and West 79th Street, police said.

“Shortly after the carjacking, Shreveport Police Department DWI officers located the stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit continued into Bossier Parish, where officers ultimately engaged the suspect,” a statement from the Shreveport Police Department said.

“Officers were forced to discharge their department-issued firearms, neutralizing the suspect, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The Louisiana State Police launched an investigation into the officers involved in the shooting of the suspect. “At this time, no wrongdoing is suspected, and preliminary information indicates that the officers acted appropriately and in accordance with department policy,” the statement said.

Chief Wayne Smith stated that in his 46 years of service in law enforcement, he has never encountered anything of this magnitude. “This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted our entire community. The loss of these young lives is devastating, and our hearts are with the families affected,” the statement continued.

“This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux added. “It’s a terrible morning in Shreveport.”

In a post on X, Speaker Mike Johnson said that his team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge in the case.

“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response.”

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said he was “taken aback” by the horrifying shooting.

“My heart goes out to this entire community for the tragic event that has taken place this morning,” Smith said. “I just don’t know what to say. My heart is just taken aback. I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.”

State Representative Tammy Phelps said that she had “chills” after arriving at the house. “This is actually the district where I grew up, so it’s still close to home,” she told USA Today. “Once getting here and hearing the story of what actually happened in the home, I still have chills right now.”

Mack London, 71, told NBC News that he has lived in the neighborhood since 1991 and had never seen anything approaching the level of violence on display Sunday.

“Nothing like this has ever happened on this street,” he said. “It was bad... I hate that it happened to those kids.”

In 2019, Elkins was arrested in a firearms case after a man in a car pulled a gun on him, according to a police report. Elkins fired five rounds at the vehicle in retaliation while next to a school. He previously served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for seven years until August 2020, as per the U.S. Army. He was not deployed.

The city of Shreveport is in northwestern Louisiana, with a population of around 180,000. It is a cultural and economic hub known for riverboat casinos, the Shreveport Aquarium, and the annual Mardi Gras celebration.