‘It’s devastating’: Family members struggle with grief after 8 children die in Louisiana shooting

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA: The Sunday, April 19, mass shooting in Shreveport, which claimed the lives of eight children, has left the victims’ families devastated and heartbroken. Shamar Elkins reportedly killed his seven children and a cousin following a domestic disturbance.

The victims have been identified as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Braylon Snow, 5; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; and Sariahh Snow, 11. The gunman, who was eventually fatally shot by police, also critically injured his wife, Shaneiqua Elkins, and a woman believed to be his girlfriend.

Shreveport shooting victims’ family seeks prayers after tragedy

Following the tragedy, a family member, Lionel Pugh, said, as per AP, “It's devastating on the family, you know, friends, you know, people that know her, you know, know them. It's, it's, you know, it's a lot.”

Pugh also shared that the “one that's still in critical condition, I hadn't heard anything on her. But I talked with my other niece, she was, she's recovering well but I mean she's going to probably be traumatized cause she also had a child that was, you know, deceased.”

Another family member, Francine Monro Brown, revealed that the children killed in the attack were “happy, all little look-a-likes.” “So yeah it's very disturbing for our community what's going on and we're just asking for prayers,” he added.

Shaneiqua Elkins praised as devoted mother after tragedy

Brown further stated that after the incident it is difficult to remain strong, but “I have a lot of people depending on me, so I cannot break down and I cannot be emotional at this time. This is a time to be strong. This is a time to support my cousins.”

Additionally, Shaneiqua has been described as a doting mother by her relatives. “She raised those kids right. They were the center of her universe,” Pugh added.

Governor Jeff Landry prays for 'everyone affected'

Amid the difficult time, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced that his wife Sharon Landry’s foundation, Love One Louisiana, will fund the funerals of the victims.

“It’s a tragedy that leaves way more questions than answers but the one thing that’s constant is the grief that remains,” he said, adding that the first lady’s foundation “will be paying all of the expenses for the funerals of each one of these children.”

Landry also stated that “no amount of money or act of charity can repair the pain. But what we can lean on is that this act of charity can stand as a beacon of faith and the belief that good things still happen in this world.”

The governor also shared a post on Facebook, noting that the tragedy has left him and his wife “heartbroken.” “We’re praying for everyone affected. We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.