Neighbors of Shamar Elkins, the suspect in the killing of eight children aged one to 12, witnessed him fleeing the residence, according to eyewitness accounts.
The tragic incident, labeled as the deadliest mass shooting in the US in over two years, unfolded early Sunday in Louisiana. Police reported that the gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, fatally shot seven of his own children, injured their mother, and also killed another child.
According to Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon, the suspect initially shot the mother before taking the lives of the eight children. Out of the 10 individuals shot, two women survived the ordeal, with one sustaining critical injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head.
The devastating event transpired on Sunday morning when the gunman targeted a residence in Shreveport, resulting in a horrific massacre.
Following the shootings, Elkins fled to Harrison Street, located approximately a quarter mile away, in a stolen vehicle. After a high-speed pursuit, law enforcement officers fatally shot Elkins at a third location.
Witness Liza Demming, residing near the crime scene, captured footage of the suspect fleeing and heard gunshots. She later discovered the body of a child on a nearby roof and expressed shock at the suspect’s actions, mentioning that he had interacted with the children recently.
Pastor Marty T. Johnson Sr., owner of one of the residences where the shootings occurred, stated that he rented the property to the family but had minimal interaction with them. He expressed plans to hold a prayer vigil for the family and assist with the burial of the children.
Louisiana State Police have been requested by Shreveport authorities to investigate the incident. State police confirmed that no officers were injured during the pursuit that led to the suspect’s demise.
State police urged individuals with relevant information, pictures, or videos to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and US House Speaker Mike Johnson conveyed their condolences and commended law enforcement for their swift response to the tragic event.
Law enforcement officials are treating the shooting as a domestic incident, emphasizing that it was not linked to any external threats or influences.
