A gunman killed eight children in a domestic violence shooting in Louisiana before being shot dead by police after a chase, leaving a community in shock.
WEBDESK – ACT GLOBAL MEDIA | April 20, 2026
A man shot and killed eight children in a devastating domestic violence incident in the U.S. state of Louisiana before being killed by police following a vehicle chase, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, who was the father of seven of the victims. The children, aged between 3 and 11, were among 10 people shot during the early morning violence.
Tragedy unfolds across two locations
According to Shreveport Police Department, officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance shortly after 6 a.m. The suspect first shot a woman at one location before moving to another residence, where the children were killed.
Authorities described the scene as “extensive” and “horrific,” with several victims believed to have been shot while they were asleep.
Two women — identified as the suspect’s wife and another woman believed to be his girlfriend — were seriously injured in the attack but survived.
Suspect killed after chase
After the shootings, the suspect fled the scene, carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint. Police pursued him into a neighboring parish, where officers shot and killed him after he refused to comply.
Officials said the use of force by police is under investigation, though no wrongdoing is suspected at this stage.
Community in shock
Local officials described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, while police chief Wayne Smith said he could not “begin to imagine how such an event can occur.”
Neighbors said the violence was unprecedented in the area, with one resident calling it “the worst thing” they had ever witnessed.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the attack, though officials confirmed it is being treated as a domestic violence case.
The suspect had a prior conviction related to illegal firearm use, raising further questions about how he obtained weapons.
As the community mourns, local leaders have called for prayers and mental health support for the affected families, describing the loss as “unimaginable.”
