US Police Release Photo of Louisiana Gunman Who Killed Eight Children, Including Seven of His Own
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, left eight children dead and two women critically injured in what authorities described as a domestic violence incident. The gunman, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, was killed by police following a pursuit and exchange of gunfire.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, Elkins fatally shot seven of his own children and one of their cousins in an execution-style attack that spanned two residences in the city. The victims ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old and included five girls and three boys. Their names were released by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office 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).
Two women were also shot during the incident and hospitalized with serious injuries. One of the women was identified as Elkins’ wife and the mother of their children. Both were expected to survive, with one undergoing surgery the following day.
Elkins had a prior criminal record, having pleaded guilty to a weapons charge in 2019. He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signal support system specialist and fire support specialist before departing as a private. Law enforcement officials confirmed they were familiar with Elkins due to his 2019 arrest but stated they were unaware of any documented history of domestic violence prior to the shooting.
The attack marked the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in over two years. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed profound shock at the event, stating he could not comprehend how such violence could unfold within a family. Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon emphasized that investigators treated the incident as entirely domestic in nature, though no clear motive has been publicly disclosed.
In the aftermath, local officials including City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor urged the public to respect the families’ privacy as they grappled with the loss. Taylor joined other leaders in highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence in the community, calling it an ongoing epidemic requiring urgent attention.
A candlelight vigil was held in Shreveport on the evening of the shooting, with residents gathering to honor the victims. Mourners left stuffed animals, flowers, and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial near the scene. Religious and civic leaders offered prayers and counseling services to affected relatives and neighbors.
As of Monday, April 20, 2026, the investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to interview witnesses and collect evidence from both homes involved in the shooting. No additional arrests have been made, and Elkins remains the sole identified perpetrator.