A community in Shreveport, Louisiana, is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight children, including the three offspring of Christina Snow. Reports indicate that Christina, who suffered a serious injury during the attack, still has a bullet lodged in her face, while also dealing with significant memory issues.
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The tragic event unfolded on Sunday, 19 April 2026, when 31-year-old Shamar Elkins perpetrated the attack. According to family accounts, the shooting occurred at approximately 6 a.m. in a residence, killing 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. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed that seven of the deceased children were Elkins’ own, while the eighth child was a cousin.
Christina’s cousin, Jamarckus Snow, spoke to NBC News, revealing that Christina has been struggling with memory loss since the incident. There are moments when she forgets the tragic loss of her children. Jamarckus recounted a particularly heart-wrenching moment when Christina woke up thinking she needed to prepare her children for school. “One day, she’ll know, and the next, she thinks her kids are still there,” he explained, illustrating the profound impact of the trauma on her mental state.
As Christina recovers in hospital, her family is concerned about the bullet still lodged in her face. Jamarckus highlighted that while doctors are aware of its presence, they are hesitant to perform surgery due to potential risks: “They didn’t want to do surgery and risk it,” he stated.
The incident has left the community in shock, as tributes pour in for the children and their grieving mother. A candlelight vigil was held in memory of the victims, with many expressing disbelief over the scale of the tragedy.
Christina was one of two women who survived the shooting; the other was Shaneiqua Pugh, Elkins’ wife, who required surgical intervention following the attack. In a remarkable escape, a 12-year-old girl, not related to the perpetrator, survived by jumping off the roof of the house during the chaos, although she suffered serious injuries.
Following the tragic event, Shamar Elkins fled the scene and attempted to steal a vehicle, but he eventually died following a police pursuit. Authorities have indicated that the situation is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Federal prosecutors have since arrested a 56-year-old man related to the firearm used in the attack. The individual is a former National Guardsman with a prior conviction for illegal firearm usage, sparking further questions about gun accessibility and mental health.
Relatives of Elkins reported concerning behaviour leading up to the incident, suggesting he might have been undergoing a mental health crisis. Jamarckus noted that while he occasionally saw Elkins at family gatherings, he had not interacted with him closely. “He would distance himself from people,” Jamarckus reflected, describing a man who shunned social interaction and often isolated himself.
Despite the violence and tragedy, Jamarckus acknowledged that Elkins did spend time with his children, hinting at a complex family dynamic that has now been irrevocably altered. “He did love his kids; it was unexpected,” he said, underscoring the tragedy of a parent turning against their own family.
As they begin to process the enormity of their loss, support networks are becoming increasingly important for the affected families. For those experiencing domestic violence or mental health crises, resources and helplines remain available, providing essential support as communities strive to recover from such harrowing events.