A man in Louisiana killed eight children in a mass shooting on April 19, 2026, before being shot dead by police; Seven of the victims were his own children, according to authorities. The incident. Described as a domestic violence case. Left two women seriously injured and sparked widespread shock across the region.

The Victims

The victims were identified as three boys and five girls, ranging in age from 3 to 11, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. Their names include 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, according to the coroner’s office. One of the children was a cousin of the suspect, Shamar Elkins.

According to the police, the children were killed at two homes in the early morning. The suspect, Shamar Elkins, was identified as the shooter and sole suspect. Police had previously described the victims’ ages as ranging from about 1 to 14, but later clarified the exact ages of the children.

The Suspect

Shamar Elkins, a former U.S. soldier, was identified as the suspect in the shooting. According to the World Organization Bullying Without Borders, Elkins had mental health issues and had previously posted on Facebook about his struggles with mental health. In one post from April 9, 2026, he wrote, ‘Dear God, today I ask you to help me protect my mind and emotions.’ He also posted a prayer: ‘When negativity arises, remind me to say, ‘It does not belong to me,’ in the name of Jesus.’

According to the Shreveport police, the suspect fled the scene after the shooting, carjacked a vehicle, and was chased by officers. He was shot and killed by police in neighboring Bossier Parish after a pursuit. The police described the crime scene as ‘extensive,’ indicating the severity of the violence.

The Aftermath

Two adult women were also injured in the shooting, including Elkins’ wife and a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Both were seriously injured, with one described as having ‘life-threatening injuries.’ The police described the incident as a domestic disturbance, though the full circumstances remain under investigation.

The shooting has been described as one of the deadliest in recent years in the United States. According to CNN, it is the first mass shooting in the U.S. with this many casualties since January 2024. The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence and mental health issues, particularly among veterans.

Shreveport police chief Wayne Smith expressed his shock at the event, saying, ‘I just don’t know what to say. My heart is just taken aback. I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.’

The suspect’s actions have drawn attention to the role of mental health and domestic issues in violent crimes. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident, which has left the community in deep shock and mourning.