SHREVEPORT, La. — Eight children were killed and two other people were wounded in a shooting that stemmed from a domestic disturbance in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday, police said.
The victims, all juveniles ranging in age from 1 to 14 years old, were shot at multiple locations, according to authorities. Shreveport police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance just after 6 a.m. in the 300 block of West 79th Street, where officers found an extensive crime scene that extended to at least two homes in the area and a third location on nearby Harrison Street, police spokesperson Cpl. Chris Bordelon said.
A total of 10 people were shot in the incident, police said. The adult male suspect, who was related to some of the child victims, was fatally shot by police after a vehicle chase that extended into Bossier Parish, authorities said. His name has not been released.
"This is a tragic and devastating event for our community," Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families affected by this violence."
Details about the relationship between the suspect and the victims, as well as the exact circumstances that led to the shooting, remained under investigation Sunday. Police described the incident as a domestic disturbance but did not release further information on possible motives.
No charges have been filed as the suspect is deceased. Authorities have not identified the wounded individuals or provided updates on their conditions.
The shooting occurred in south Shreveport, a city of about 180,000 residents in northwest Louisiana. Police did not immediately say whether any of the locations involved were connected by family relationships beyond the suspect's ties to some victims.
Investigators continued processing evidence at the scenes Sunday. Additional details, including the full identities of the victims, were expected to be released as the investigation progresses, Bordelon said.
The incident marks one of the deadliest shootings involving children in Louisiana in recent years. Local authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Shreveport Police Department.
As of Sunday afternoon, no further updates on arrests or additional suspects had been announced. The investigation remains active.
