Shamar Elkins Kills 7 of His Own Children in Shreveport Mass Shooting

Shamar Elkins shot dead seven of his children and one other child in Shreveport, Louisiana early Sunday before being killed by police after a chase.

Insider Wire · 2026-04-20
Shamar Elkins Kills 7 of His Own Children in Shreveport Mass Shooting

Shamar Elkins gunned down seven of his own children and one other child in Shreveport, Louisiana early Sunday morning before fleeing the scene and being fatally shot by police, authorities confirmed. The Louisiana man killed all eight children in what officials are calling one of the deadliest family mass shootings in state history.

Police identified Elkins as the gunman after he was wounded and killed following his escape from the crime scene. The shooting occurred in the early morning hours, though police have not released the exact time or location within Shreveport where the killings took place.

The massacre adds to a disturbing pattern of family annihilations that have shaken communities across America. Seven of the eight young victims were Elkins' biological children, while police have not yet identified the eighth child or explained their connection to the family.

Shreveport police have not disclosed what led to the shooting or whether Elkins had a history of domestic violence. The ages of the children and the weapon used in the killings remain under investigation as authorities work to piece together the timeline of events that led to the tragedy.

The shooting ranks among the deadliest involving children in Louisiana's recent history. As Insider Wire previously reported, the initial reports focused on the police response and casualty count, with Elkins' identity as the children's father emerging later in the investigation.

Local authorities are working with federal investigators to understand the motive behind the killings. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and access to firearms in households where children are present.

Police expect to release additional details about the shooting as the investigation continues, including the specific circumstances that led to the confrontation where Elkins was killed.

This is a developing story and will be updated.