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Woman and child jumped off roof to escape deadly Louisiana shooting

April 21, 2026

In Shreveport, Louisiana, a father identified as Shamar Elkins killed eight children, including seven of his own and one cousin, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old, during what authorities describe as a domestic dispute early Sunday morning. The attack began at one home where a woman and child escaped by jumping from the rooftop, then continued at a second residence before the suspect carjacked a vehicle and died following a shootout with police. Two adult women, including the children's mother, survived with gunshot wounds and are hospitalized, while a ninth child was injured escaping from the roof.

Who is affected

  • Eight children killed (ages 3-11): Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, and Braylon Snow
  • Two adult women shot and hospitalized (including the children's mother)
  • A ninth child injured from jumping off the roof during escape
  • The suspect, Shamar Elkins (deceased)
  • Residents and neighbors of Shreveport
  • Law enforcement officers who engaged in the shootout
  • The broader Shreveport/Caddo Parish community

What action is being taken

  • Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident
  • Two adult women are recovering in hospital
  • Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting

Why it matters

  • This tragedy represents one of the most devastating mass shootings involving children in recent memory and highlights the deadly intersection of domestic violence and firearm access. The incident underscores the critical need for domestic violence prevention and intervention resources in communities, as officials noted a new domestic violence center had opened just 10 days before this attack occurred. The case also raises important questions about identifying and preventing domestic violence situations before they escalate to such catastrophic outcomes, particularly when children are involved.

What's next

  • Police investigation is continuing to establish a complete motive
  • Authorities need to determine whether the suspect died by suicide or was killed by police
  • Investigation into how the assault-style weapon was obtained

Read full article from source: BBC

Woman and child jumped off roof to escape deadly Louisiana shooting