Heartbreaking photos show all 8 children killed by Louisiana dad Shamar Elkins

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA: A Louisiana man accused of killing eight children, including seven of his own, carried out a deadly shooting rampage across two homes on Sunday, April 19, leaving the community in shock and multiple victims fighting for their lives.

Authorities said Shamar Elkins, 31, opened fire during what police described as a domestic dispute that spiraled into extreme violence. The victims, ages 3 to 11, were found inside homes linked to his estranged wife and girlfriend in Shreveport.

Eight children killed in mass shooting

Police identified the victims 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.

Seven of the victims were Elkins’ children, while Markaydon Pugh was their cousin, the son of his wife’s sister. 

Investigators said the children were shot at two separate residences, one belonging to his estranged wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and another linked to his girlfriend, Christina Snow.

The scale of the tragedy deepened as family members shared photos of the children taken shortly before the incident. 

After killing the children, Elkins shot Pugh multiple times in the face and abdomen at her home on West 79th Street, leaving her in critical condition, police said. Snow was also shot in the face at a nearby residence and remains hospitalized with severe injuries. 

Authorities confirmed both women were transported to a hospital and are receiving emergency care.

Family shares grief after children tragically killed 

“My boy may God rest your soul son. Daddy gonna miss u so much,” Markaydon’s father, Troy Brown, wrote in a Facebook tribute. “I love u Mar’Kaydon nothing will ever change that. Watch over us from on high.”

He further added, “Give your grannies (Jeanette & Topeka) a hug for us. This hurts so bad, pls pray for me and Keosha Pugh on the lost of our only son and our nieces and nephews. God pls give us strength.” 

The emotional message, accompanied by photos, highlighted the profound loss felt by the family.

Following the shootings, Elkins allegedly fled in a carjacked red Kia Sportage, prompting a police chase. Authorities said he died from gunfire after the pursuit, though it remains unclear whether he killed himself or was shot by officers. 

Elkins had two previous convictions, for driving while intoxicated in 2016 and for the illegal use of weapons in 2019, the New York Times reported.

In March 2019, a police report detailed that the National Guard vet pulled a .9mm handgun from his waistband and shot at a vehicle five times after a driver pulled a handgun on him, with one of Elkins’ bullets being discovered near a school where children were playing.

Law enforcement officials said the investigation into the motive and full sequence of events is ongoing.