Heartbreaking: The families of the 8 v!ctims in the Shreveport tragedy have shared emotional letters through tears, saying they still cannot believe it happened

Suspect, father of 7 of the kids, fled to Bossier where he was shot dead

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has now identified the eight children who were shot and killed in a domestic violence incident in Shreveport Sunday morning (April 19).

Seven siblings and a cousin were shot and killed. There are three boys and five girls ranging in age from 3 to 11-years-old. The coroner says they were identified by their mothers as:

Jayla Elkins, 3
Shayla Elkins, 5
Kayla Pugh, 6
Layla Pugh, 7
Markaydon Pugh, 10
Sariahh Snow, 11
Khedarrion Snow, 6
Braylon Snow, 5

Their deaths mark the eighth through 15th homicides in Shreveport so far this year.

Police have also identified the man reportedly responsible for shooting and killing eight children and injuring two women in a domestic incident in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood Sunday morning.

Police say Shamar Elkins is the man responsible for this incident. Additionally, police say Elkins was the father of seven of the eight children he reportedly shot and killed. One of the children killed was not his though.

A ninth child, a 13-year-old boy, reportedly jumped off the roof of the home and was able to get away. Police say he has some broken bones, but should be okay physically.

8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood – KSLA

Two women were also shot, one of which was Elkins’ wife. She is also the mother of some of the children. She was reportedly shot in the face and has undergone surgery, but is expected to survive.

The condition of the other woman, who may also be the mother of some of the children killed, is also very serious. A third woman is also believed to have escaped from the incident.

Multiple families have been directly affected by this mass shooting, police say. At this time, it’s unclear who the parents of the eighth child who was killed are.

“These victims, we have to do right by them,” said SPD Cpl. Chris Bordelon.

Police say the incident all started on Harrison Street, where Elkins’ wife was shot. Elkins then reportedly went to the second home involved on W 79th Street near Linwood and shot the second woman, as well as the children.

Police say a total of 10 people were shot, the only survivors being the two women.

Officials said they’re still gathering details about the crime scene, which extends across four locations. The four locations include two homes in which gunshot victims were found, the scene of a carjacking in which Elkins reportedly stole a car, and the scene where Elkins was shot dead in Bossier City after a police chase.

Elkins’ motive remains unclear at this time.

Tha Trap in Shreveport held a prayer vigil for the 8 children who were shot and killed in a domestic incident on April 19, 2026 in Shreveport. Two women were also seriously injured in the shooting. The suspect, Shamar Elkins, was shot and killed in Bossier City.(KSLA)

Police say Elkins was fatally shot after a chase from Shreveport into Bossier City. Elkins was shot in the 400 block of Brompton Lane. Gunfire was exchanged between police and Elkins. Police say it’s unclear at this time whether Elkins died at his own hands or from a shot fired by police.

Louisiana State Police is investigating this incident.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Smith added.

Louisiana State Police says their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate the shooting of Elkins.

In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting in Bossier City.

SPD says counseling/mental health services will be available for officers who responded to the scene. He says they have a peer network trained to deal with situations like this, but even they haven’t seen anything quite like this.

“Horrible act of violence unlike anything we’ve ever seen in our city,” Bordelon said.

Police say first, they have a job to do and need to piece together what exactly happened. Then and only then, Bordelon says, will they take care of themselves.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video, or information to share it with state police detectives.

LEADERS REACT TO TRAGIC SITUATION

SHREVEPORT MAYOR TOM ARCENEAUX

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Mayor Arceneaux’s full statement reads:

“‘No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.’

Those words from John Donne remind us that a tragedy like this does not belong to one family alone—it belongs to all of us. Today, our community is grieving the unimaginable loss of innocent children. There are no words that can make sense of it, and no distance that shields us from it.

Shreveport is not an island. We are connected—and in moments like this, that connection must mean something. It must mean compassion, it must mean awareness, and it must mean action.

This tragedy reaches far beyond the scene itself. It affects the first responders who answered the call, the neighbors who witnessed the aftermath, the families who are now living a nightmare, and a community that feels shaken to its core. These are the kinds of moments that leave a lasting imprint—on our hearts, on our minds, and on our sense of safety.

We must check on one another. We must support those who carry the weight of what they saw and heard today. And we must not ignore the deeper issues—violence in the home, untreated trauma, and the silence that allows both to grow.

Please keep these children, their loved ones, and everyone affected in your prayers. And if you are hurting, reach out. You do not have to carry this alone.”

BOSSIER CITY MAYOR TOMMY CHANDLER

“The tragic and senseless loss of eight innocent children in our neighboring city of Shreveport is something that is difficult to comprehend. These were young lives with futures ahead of them, taken far too soon in an act of unimaginable violence.

While this incident began in Shreveport, it impacted our community as it came to a close here in Bossier City. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement officers and first responders who acted to bring this situation to an end and protect others from further harm.

Today, we stand with our neighbors in Shreveport. We grieve with the families who are experiencing an unimaginable loss, and we lift them up in our prayers.

In moments like this, we are reminded that we are one community. We mourn together, we support one another, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to keep our citizens safe.

We ask everyone to keep the victims, their families, and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”

LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL LIZ MURRILL

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill released a statement about the incident:

“Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating this tragic situation. We do not yet know all the details, but I am deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life. I’m praying for the victims and their family members in the wake of this devastating violence.”

SHREVEPORT CITY COUNCIL

The Shreveport City Council released a statement Sunday afternoon about the deadly mass shooting:

The Shreveport City Council extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by the tragic multi-scene shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in the Cedar Grove neighborhood, offers continued prayers for the recovery of those who were injured, and lifts up the first responders who answered the call and continue to serve our community.

Council Member James Green (District F): “This is a heartbreaking tragedy for Cedar Grove and the greater Ark-La-Tex community. My prayers are with the families who are grieving unimaginable loss this morning, and I am praying for the recovery of those who were injured. We stand with the community during this difficult time.”

Council Chair Tabatha Taylor (District A): “We stand with Councilman Green and the Cedar Grove community during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected and those recovering from their injuries.”

Council Vice Chair Ursula Bowman (District G): “This is a devastating situation. We are keeping the families, the injured, and the entire community in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Council Member Gary Brooks (District B): “Our hearts go out to the families affected. We are praying for those who were injured and stand in solidarity during this time.”

Council Member Jim Taliaferro (District C): “This is a tragic loss for our city and the Cedar Grove community. We are keeping those impacted and those recovering in our prayers.”

Council Member Grayson Boucher (District D): “We mourn with the families and are praying for strength and recovery for those who were injured. We also lift up the police officers, firefighters, Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, and all first responders who had to respond to this scene.”

Council Member Dr. Alan Jackson, Jr. (District E): “Today is one of the saddest days in the history of Shreveport. Eight innocent children lost their lives, and there are no words that can make sense of this tragedy. Our hearts are heavy, and our city is hurting. We lift up every family affected in prayer. God, we need You now more than ever.”

Councilman James Green will host a press conference on Monday at 11 a.m. at Government Plaza to address the community and provide additional remarks.

The Shreveport City Council is in the process of organizing a community prayer vigil. Additional details will be released during the press conference.

LOUISIANA LAWMAKERS

A joint statement from Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier was issued late Sunday afternoon:

“Our hearts are broken by this tragedy that is devastating these families and loved ones, and the community of Shreveport, who have lost so much this morning. As more details emerge, we want to express our gratitude to the emergency personnel who responded so quickly, and to our local and state law enforcement officers who are moving this investigation forward. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one in the north Louisiana community affected by this senseless loss of life. We stand ready to assist in any way that we can in the days ahead.”

Updates will be provided through the appropriate law enforcement and media channels as information becomes available.

CONGRESSMAN CLEO FIELDS

Congressman Cleo Fields reacts to mass shooting in Shreveport on April 19, 2026 that left 8 children dead and 2 women injured.(Congressman Cleo Fields)

CADDO PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

“The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office joins our community in mourning the unimaginable loss of eight children in Shreveport. There are no words sufficient to capture the depth of this tragedy. Eight young lives, full of promise, innocence, and possibility, are gone. Our hearts are with every person impacted by this devastating event.

This tragedy’s impact demands our collective attention. This is not simply an event; it is a profound community loss.

What began as a domestic dispute has ended in irreversible harm. This reality underscores a truth we must continue to confront: Domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a community issue with far-reaching consequences, often affecting the most vulnerable among us — our children.

In the work that we do every day, we see how quickly situations can escalate. We see how patterns of control, fear and instability can grow behind closed doors. And we know that intervention — whether through reporting, support services, or community awareness — can make a difference.

This moment calls for more than grief. It calls for awareness, connection, and action.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office encourages individuals to reach out to local resources, including:

Project Celebration Inc. at 318-226-5015 or 318-868-3045
Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center at 318-584-7171

Support services exist to provide safety planning, advocacy and emergency assistance. No one has to navigate these situations alone.