Shamar Elkins Killed 8 Children, Including 7 of His Own, in Shreveport, La. What We Know About the ‘Disgusting and Evil’ Crime

In a tragic incident on 19 April 2026, Shamar Elkins took the lives of eight children in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. The devastating event not only claimed the lives of seven of Elkins’ own children but also a cousin. Additionally, two adults sustained injuries during the assault, which has left the community in shock and mourning.

According to a police spokesperson, Christopher Bordelon, the act has been labelled “disgusting and evil,” as it involved the shooting of his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and multiple children, most of whom were sleeping at the time of the attack. Bordelon shared that one of the children was even found deceased on a back roof of their home. The shocking events unfolded early in the morning, just after 6 a.m., when Elkins shot his wife before proceeding to target the children.

Following the shootings, Elkins fled the scene in a vehicle he had carjacked. During a police pursuit, he was ultimately shot and killed, although it remains unclear whether his death was due to police fire or a suicide. The Shreveport Police Department stated that officers were required to discharge their firearms to “neutralise the suspect.”

Elkins, who had been employed by UPS, held two previous convictions related to driving under the influence and illegal use of a firearm. A police report indicated that in a 2019 incident, he had fired shots at a vehicle near a school, where children were present. This record likely barred him from legally possessing firearms.

Details emerge on the victims of this heart-wrenching incident: Among the deceased children were Jayla, 3; Shayla, 5; Kayla, 6; Layla, 7; Markaydon, 10; Sariahh, 11; Khedarrion, 6; and Braylon, 5. Reports revealed that a 13-year-old boy escaped by leaping off a roof, sustaining injuries in the process. The second adult who was shot, later identified as Elkins’ girlfriend, also suffered serious injuries. His wife, Shaneiqua, required surgery but has been reported to be on the path to recovery.

The community is left reeling from the horrific loss, with neighbours expressing their devastation over the unfolding tragedy. Marie Montgomery, a nearby resident, recounted the heartbreak of witnessing police take the children out of the home: “That’s just the worst thing I ever seen,” she stated, indicating the profound impact the event has had on those who witnessed it.

In the lead-up to this tragic event, family members revealed that Elkins had been struggling with mental health issues. His stepfather, Marcus Jackson, mentioned that Elkins confided his thoughts about marital troubles, expressing fears of divorce and revealing feelings of despair. Jackson recalled that Elkins had described experiencing “dark thoughts” and a struggle against personal demons, indicating a need for help that perhaps went unchecked.

Former colleagues of Elkins noted a marked change in his behaviour, as he displayed signs of stress that concerned those around him. Willie Vasher, a former coworker, attested to witnessing Elkins pulling at his hair to the extent of creating bald patches, suggesting a significant level of anxiety and distress.

As the community grapples with this unbearable loss, the event highlights the urgent need for mental health support and prevention of gun violence. It remains uncertain how such a horrific act could have transpired without intervention, igniting discussions about the importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring that those in distress receive timely support.

The Shreveport tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the precariousness of family life and the vulnerability of children in situations where domestic strife and mental health issues intersect. As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the search for understanding and healing will be paramount in the days and months to come.