The city of Shreveport woke up to heartbreak Sunday morning after a wave of violence tore through two homes, leaving eight young children dead and several others fighting for their lives. Investigators say the suspect, Shamar Elkins, carried out the attacks in what appears to be a deeply troubling domestic dispute that quickly spiraled out of control.
Police say the violence began just before sunrise at one residence, where a woman was shot and critically injured. From there, Elkins moved to a second home, where the situation turned even more devastating. Inside that house, officers later found seven children who had been fatally shot. An eighth child was discovered on the roof, believed to have been trying to escape the chaos unfolding inside.
The victims ranged in age from just 3 to 11 years old. Their names—Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, and Braylon Snow—now echo across a grieving community. Many of them were siblings or closely related, making the loss even more overwhelming for those left behind.
In addition to the children, two adult women were left in critical condition, while a teenager also suffered injuries but is expected to survive. One of the injured women is believed to be the mother of several of the children, adding another layer of pain to an already unimaginable tragedy.
Authorities believe the incident was rooted in a domestic conflict, though they say there had been no documented history of domestic violence involving Elkins. Records show he had a prior arrest tied to firearms back in 2019, but nothing that pointed to this level of violence.
After the shootings, Elkins fled the scene, reportedly carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint. That triggered a police pursuit that stretched into nearby Bossier City. Officers eventually opened fire during the chase. Elkins was later confirmed dead, though officials are still working to clarify exactly how his life ended.
Investigators describe the case as one of the most complex and emotionally heavy scenes they have ever handled. Multiple locations, numerous victims, and a timeline that continues to unfold have made the process slow and deeply challenging. Local leaders have called it one of the darkest days in the city’s history, with grief hanging heavily over the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. For now, families mourn, neighbors try to make sense of the loss, and a city struggles to heal from a tragedy that has left a permanent mark.
