Authorities on Monday identified eight children fatally shot in a northwestern Louisiana home, as a city mourned one of the deadliest episodes of domestic violence in recent U.S. history. Police say their father, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his children and a nephew before dying himself.
The victims have been identified 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.
“In addition, two adult females sustained gunshot injuries—one of whom is the suspect’s wife. At this time, both women remain under medical care, and we are hopeful for their recovery,” the police said.
“Our hearts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the police said.
“We also ask that you continue to keep our officers and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. The men and women who responded to this scene were faced with an unimaginable situation, and their professionalism, compassion, and resolve in the face of such horror reflect the very best of this department,” stated the police department.
Shaneiqua’s sister had called for help minutes after the shooting started and escaped with a child by jumping from the roof. “She said she was running for her life,” said Lionel Pugh, an uncle of the two women shot. “The only ones he didn’t kill was the ones who got away.”
Family members described the children as joyful and deeply loved. Relatives said their mother centered her life around them. “She raised those kids right,” said Pugh. “They were the center of her universe.”
One of the victims, 5-year-old Braylon Snow, was preparing for his preschool graduation next month, according to Laurance Guidry, president and CEO of Caddo Community Action Agency, which operates the Head Start program Braylon attended.
“They have the cap[s] and gowns just like you would have when you were graduating from high school,” Guidry said.
Francine Monro Brown, a cousin of the mother, said she often saw the children playing in the yard on Sunday mornings as she drove past the house on her way to church.
“Happy children, joyful children. Shaneiqua is a great mother. She provided a great home for the kids,” Brown said, standing near a growing memorial of stuffed teddy bears, flowers, and pink and blue balloons.
Betty Pugh, another cousin of Shaneiqua, said the mother was always with her children. “That was the way we were taught: to love our kids, to take care of our kids. And that’s what she did,” she said.
Gunman Killed
Police responded to reports of gunfire just before sunrise Sunday, linking the two nearby shootings to the same suspect.
Officers said Elkins fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, and led police into neighboring Bossier Parish, where he died after officers opened fire.
Authorities are investigating whether Elkins died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound, according to Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith.
Authorities said the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute. Family members said Elkins and his wife were in the process of separating and had been scheduled to appear in court Monday.
Crystal Brown, a family member, said the couple had argued early Monday morning before the killings.
Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said investigators were not aware of any prior domestic violence complaints involving Elkins. Court records show Elkins was convicted of illegal use of a weapon in 2019, which barred him from possessing a firearm under Louisiana law.
Officials said Elkins served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2013 to 2020.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the killings one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history.
“We can not afford to wait until the next crisis,” Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn said. “This is the responsibility of all of us. We owe it to the eight children who were lost.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
