Shamar Elkins was identified as the suspect in a devastating mass shooting that occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 19, 2026. The 31-year-old Army veteran and father allegedly shot and killed eight children, ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years old, across three different residences in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The incident, which authorities characterized as a domestic dispute, also left two adult women critically wounded, one of whom was reportedly Elkins’ wife, Shaneiqua Elkins.
The events unfolded shortly after 6:00 a.m. and culminated in a high-speed pursuit into neighboring Bossier Parish after Elkins reportedly carjacked a vehicle to flee the scene. The chase ended in Bossier City, where Elkins was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement. Local officials and residents described the tragedy as one of the most heartbreaking events in the city’s history.
Prior to the shooting, Elkins’ social media showed no immediate signs of the impending violence; he had posted photos as recently as April 17th showing him on a “date” with his oldest daughter and attending church with all his children on Easter Sunday. However, public records indicate a prior history of weapons-related offenses, including a 2019 arrest for firing shots near Caddo Magnet High School while children were present.
UPDATE APRIL 20 2026 – The attack is being investigated as an extreme case of domestic violence. Family members noted that Elkins and his wife were in the process of separating and were scheduled to appear in court on the day following the shooting.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office officially released the names of the eight children killed, all aged between 3 and 11:
- Jayla Elkins (3)
- Shayla Elkins (5)
- Braylon Snow (5)
- Kayla Pugh (6)
- Khedarrion Snow (6)
- Layla Pugh (7)
- Markaydon Pugh (10)
- Sariahh Snow (11)
Officials confirmed that seven of the deceased children belonged to the suspect, while the eighth was a cousin. Two adult women, identified as the suspect’s wife and girlfriend, remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition. A 13-year-old boy survived by jumping from the roof of the home and is recovering with broken bones.