Bossier City couple recalls chaos and fear as Shreveport shooting unfolded nearby

BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA: A quiet neighborhood in Bossier City was shaken after a deadly shooting unfolded just behind a family’s home, leaving residents in shock and disbelief.

The incident took place on Sunday, April 19, and by Monday, more details had emerged about what happened and how close it came to those living nearby.

Among those who witnessed the aftermath were Jacob and Tiffany Castleman, a couple who say they woke up to a situation they never imagined would happen so close to home. Their account paints a picture of confusion, fear, and a sudden rush of police activity.

Couple recalls hearing gunshots as Shreveport shooting unfolded nearby

Jacob Castleman said the morning began with concern when his wife woke him after hearing unusual sounds.

“My thought process was like, man, there’s no way that that just happened behind our house. You know, it was, I was just in total shock. I was just like, ‘Oh my God, dude,’ like, it was just chaos. I mean, honestly like, it was just nothing like I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

He explained that at first, the sounds didn’t fully register, but it quickly became clear that something serious was happening. 

“And then I sit up and we heard another gunshot. And I was like, ‘All right, that’s pretty close.’ So as I got up, we heard several more fires. And then I went and grabbed my firearm and checked out the back because that’s where I thought everything was coming from,” Jacob said.

What he saw next only added to the intensity of the situation. According to him, the cul-de-sac behind their home quickly filled with police officers.

Jacob said officers had their weapons drawn and were shouting commands, asking the suspect to come out and surrender.

Tiffany Castleman recalls ‘full terror’ during incident

For Tiffany Castleman, the experience was just as overwhelming. She described how the sounds escalated quickly, turning confusion into fear.

“And then when I heard the barrage, I knew that there was a full-blown shootout, something going. Mind you, we had no clue the later incidents that happened, but I had just full terror,” she said.

Her words reflect the uncertainty many people in the area felt at the time. Without knowing the full situation, residents were left trying to make sense of what was happening around them.

The couple said that while they were frightened, they stayed inside and tried to remain safe as events unfolded just a short distance away.

Victims identified as community processes loss

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect, Shamar Elkins, had been involved in a shooting that affected multiple people, including eight children.

The coroner identified the children as Jayla Elkins, 3, Shayla Elkins, 5, Kayla Pugh, 6, Layla Pugh, 7, Markaydon Pugh, 10, Sariahh Snow, 11, Khedarrion Snow, 6, and Braylon Snow, 5.

Officials said two women were also injured in the incident, including Elkins’ wife, Shaneiqua Pugh. 

She has undergone surgery and is expected to survive, while the other woman remains in very serious condition.

In the midst of the chaos, a 13-year-old boy managed to escape by jumping from the roof of the home. Authorities said he suffered broken bones but is expected to make a full recovery.

The details have left the community grappling with the scale of what happened, as families and neighbors try to come to terms with the loss.

Castlemans praise law enforcement's swift response

Despite the fear and confusion, the Castlemans said they were impressed by how quickly law enforcement responded. Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and worked to secure the area.

Authorities later confirmed that Elkins was involved in an exchange of gunfire with police during a pursuit in Bossier Parish, where he eventually died after being fatally shot by police.