SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — A gunman killed eight children and wounded two women in a domestic violence incident across two homes in Shreveport early Sunday, authorities said. The suspect, identified as the father of seven of the children, was later shot dead by police following a chase.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said the victims, who ranged in age from 1 to about 12 years old, were shot in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. Seven of the dead children were the suspect's own, police said. The eighth child was unrelated.
The shootings occurred around Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, police said. Authorities described the incident as a domestic disturbance. The gunman first shot the mother of his children before killing the victims, according to officials. A second woman was also wounded.
The suspect, identified by police as Shamar Elkins, fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, prompting a police pursuit that ended in Bossier City when officers fired at him, Bordelon said. Elkins was pronounced dead at the scene.
A total of 10 people were shot in the incident, with eight children killed and two women injured, police said. The women were in critical condition, officials reported.
Shreveport City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor addressed the shooting at a news conference. "I don't know what people think in the crevices of their mind to want to harm another human being, let alone that of children who have their whole life ahead of them," she said.
Details about the sequence of events and any prior incidents involving the suspect remained under investigation Monday. Police have not released the names of the victims, citing the ongoing probe.
The incident has shaken the local community, with residents and officials gathering in the affected neighborhood. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the scene as horrific in remarks to media.
No further information was immediately available on motives or additional background on the suspect. Police said the investigation continues with support from state and federal authorities.
As of Monday, authorities had not provided updates on the conditions of the two injured women beyond their initial critical status.
The shootings mark one of the deadliest incidents involving children in the United States in recent years, according to preliminary reports from officials.
Police urged anyone with information to contact investigators. Community support services were being coordinated in the aftermath, local officials said.
