A quiet neighborhood in Shreveport, Louisiana, woke up to unimaginable horror early Sunday morning, April 20, 2026, when a domestic dispute turned into one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States in recent years. Authorities say a father fatally shot eight children including seven of his own across two homes, leaving an entire community stunned and searching for answers.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, the suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, launched the early morning attack before sunrise in a neighborhood south of downtown Shreveport. The violence left eight children dead, two women critically injured, and multiple crime scenes that investigators described as among the most devastating they had encountered.
Officials confirmed that the children ranged in age from just 3 to 11 years old. Seven of the victims were killed inside one home, while another child was found dead on the roof after apparently trying to escape the gunfire. A separate child jumped from the roof during the attack and survived after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
“This is a tragic situation maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux during a press conference. “It’s a terrible morning.”
Authorities said the attack began when the suspect first shot a woman at one residence. He then traveled to a second home, where the majority of the killings occurred. Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon described the incident as a “heinous act” that unfolded quickly and left officers dealing with multiple victims and chaotic scenes.
Two women were critically injured in the shooting, including the suspect’s wife the mother of several of the children killed. Officials confirmed both women were transported to the hospital and remained in critical condition following the attack.
Investigators revealed that police were familiar with Elkins due to a prior firearms-related arrest in 2019. However, authorities said they were not aware of any significant domestic violence history prior to the incident.
As investigators worked through the crime scenes, details emerged about the victims. According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, the victims included three boys and five girls. Officials declined to release the children’s names Sunday, citing pending identification procedures and respect for grieving families.
Family members later shared more insight into the situation leading up to the violence. Crystal Brown, a cousin of one of the wounded women, said Elkins and his wife were in the middle of separating and were scheduled to appear in court Monday.
Brown said tensions between the couple had escalated in the days before the shooting.
“He murdered his children,” Brown said. “He shot his wife.”
According to Brown, Elkins shared four children with his wife and three children with another woman who lived nearby. That woman was also shot during the attack. Brown explained that all of the children were gathered at one home when the violence erupted.
She described the victims as “happy kids, very friendly, very sweet,” words that underscored the devastating loss for the families and community.
Neighbors also reported terrifying moments as the violence unfolded. Liza Demming, who lives two houses away, said her security camera captured footage of the suspect running from the home.
“That’s pretty much all I saw him running out of the house and the cars leaving,” Demming said.
When she stepped outside later, Demming said she saw the covered body of a child on the roof of the home.
“He looks like the dad that comes over here,” she said, noting she had seen him with the children just days earlier.
Local community leaders also reacted to the tragedy. Marty T. Johnson Sr., pastor of St. Gabriel Community Baptist Church, confirmed he owned one of the homes where the shootings occurred. He said a person who worked for him had rented the home to the family, but he had never personally interacted with them.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies quickly mobilized. The Louisiana State Police confirmed their detectives were assisting with the investigation after being requested by local authorities.
Officials also confirmed that a police pursuit occurred into nearby Bossier City following the shooting. No officers were injured during the pursuit, authorities said.
Investigators are now asking anyone with video, photos, or information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement. Officials believe additional footage may help establish a clearer timeline of events.
The tragedy has drawn national attention due to its scale. According to a database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University, the incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024.
At a press conference outside one of the homes, officials appeared visibly shaken as they addressed the public. Authorities urged patience as investigators processed the multiple crime scenes.
“This is an incredibly difficult situation,” officials said, asking the community for prayers and support.
The tragedy also drew reactions from state and national leaders. Jeff Landry released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of life. Meanwhile, Mike Johnson, who represents the Shreveport area, also issued a statement offering condolences.
“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson said.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Officials emphasized that what began as a domestic dispute escalated into irreversible tragedy.
Residents across Shreveport remain overwhelmed with grief. The city, home to approximately 180,000 people, has struggled to process the magnitude of the loss.
For many, the hardest part is understanding how quickly the violence unfolded. A quiet neighborhood. A family dispute. And within moments, a devastating tragedy that claimed eight young lives.
Community members have begun organizing vigils and support efforts for the families affected. Local churches, schools, and community groups are stepping forward to offer counseling and assistance.
As investigators continue their work, one question remains at the forefront: how did a domestic conflict escalate into one of the deadliest family shootings in recent U.S. history?
For now, Shreveport mourns. Families grieve. And a community searches for healing after a morning that changed everything.
