Authorities Identify Eight Children Killed in Louisiana Domestic Incident

Authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana, have identified eight children who were killed in a domestic-related shooting that occurred on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The incident, described by officials as a “violent domestic incident,” took place across multiple homes in a neighborhood south of downtown Shreveport ^[1][2].

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, was reportedly responsible for the deaths of seven of his own children and one other child. The ages of the victims ranged from approximately 1 to 14 years old ^[1][3]. In addition to the children, two adult women were shot and critically wounded during the incident ^[1][4].

The shootings unfolded across two homes and a third location, resulting in a total of ten people being shot ^[1][5]. Elkins died after a police pursuit, during which officers fired on him ^[1][6].

According to the Shreveport Police Department, the incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since January 2024 ^[1][7].

What Is Known

The suspect, Shamar Elkins, was identified as the perpetrator of the shooting. The victims included eight children, seven of whom were his own, and two adult women who were critically injured. The incident occurred in Shreveport, Louisiana, across multiple locations ^[1][2][3].

What Remains Unclear

The specific motive behind the shootings has not been disclosed by authorities. While some reports have suggested that many of the children were shot in their sleep, this detail has not been confirmed by official sources ^[8]. Additionally, the identities of the children have been reported by some outlets but have not been officially confirmed by law enforcement ^[8].