Shamar Elkins died outside former Army mentor’s home after killing 8 children in Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA: A quiet Louisiana neighborhood was shaken after Shamar Elkins, a 31-year-old National Guard veteran, carried out a devastating act that left eight children dead.

He later ended his own life outside his former Army mentor’s home on Sunday, April 19.

Shamar Elkins drove to mentor Michael Mayence’s home after chase

Authorities said the incident began at a home in Shreveport, where Elkins attacked members of his own family. Seven of the victims were his children, while one was their cousin.

A woman, identified as his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, survived and managed to seek help from a neighbor after the incident.

After leaving the home, Elkins allegedly carjacked a vehicle and drove toward Bossier City, where the situation took another shocking turn.

Elkins made his way to the home of his former commander, Michael Mayence, in the early hours of the morning. Mayence later said he had no idea what had unfolded before Elkins arrived at his doorstep.

“I was totally unaware of all of the events taking place this morning when my cameras suddenly activated that there was activity in my doorway,” Mayence said in a Facebook post.

As police tracked Elkins to the location and moved in, the situation escalated quickly. According to Mayence, as officers arrived and opened fire, Elkins ended his own life using the weapon he was carrying.

The dramatic sequence marked the end of a case that has left the community searching for answers.

Shamar Elkins’ divorce and personal struggles under scrutiny

Elkins had served for seven years in the Louisiana National Guard and was known to Mayence beyond a professional relationship. In his post, Mayence said he had “helped raise” Elkins and had spoken to him just a day earlier.

Their conversation had centered around what Mayence described as a “possible divorce.”

Elkins was in the process of separating from his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and the couple were scheduled to appear in court as part of the proceedings.

Despite their long association, Mayence said he never believed Elkins was capable of such violence.

Authorities identify victims in Shamar Elkins investigation

Authorities later identified the eight children who lost their lives 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’ own children, while one was their cousin, though officials have not specified which child.

In the midst of the tragedy, one child managed to survive after escaping the house through the roof. The child sustained a broken leg but was able to get away.

Elkins’ wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, also survived and reached a neighbor’s home, where she called 911. As investigators work to piece together what led to the incident, Elkins’ past has drawn attention.

He had two prior convictions in the last decade, including a 2019 case involving a shooting incident near a high school and a 2016 conviction for driving under the influence.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a clear motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.