In an extreme domestic violence incident on Sunday morning, a deranged Louisiana man fatally shot eight children, ranging from ages 3 to 11,  and wounded two women.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the deadliest mass shooting in recent years, but said they believe it was “entirely a domestic incident,” and identified the gunman as the father of seven of the victims, Shamar Elkins.

Indescribable Massacre

The 31-year-old Army vet, Shamar Elkins, went on a rampage and killed seven of his children and his children’s cousin in a Shreveport home. Police arrived at the scene to find all seven of his children dead in one home, while the last child was discovered outside, leading police to believe they tried to escape off the roof in the backyard when he was shot. 

According to Shreveport Police Department spokesman Christopher Bordelon, most of the children were shot in the head while they slept, and it was assumed Elkins was using a small-caliber handgun. However, when officers confronted him, he was carrying a “rifle-style pistol.” 

After massacring his children, Elkins also shot the two mothers of his children in the head, at least one sustained life-threatening injuries. He shot the mother of four of his children inside the home where all the children were, and the mother of three in a different home nearby.

Crystal Brown, a cousin of one of the surviving victims, told the Associated Press that Elkins and his wife were going through the formal separation process and were expected to appear in court on Monday. The couple was arguing about separating when Elkins went on his rampage, Brown said. 

An Investigation Opened

The Shreveport Police Department asked Louisiana State Police detectives to assist in the investigation of the mass shooting.

“We have three crime scenes just here in Shreveport. One of them is incredibly gruesome in nature,” Bordelon said. “I know that some of the suspect’s children resided there. I’m not sure if at one point in time he lived there.”

During the police department’s statement to the media, the audience audibly gasped at the revelation of how old the deceased was, and emotions grew as Bordelon described the incident as “extensive.” The crime scene spanned the street across two homes and another on a nearby street.

Failed Escape Attempt

Elkins cowardly fled the scene after shooting his innocent children by carjacking a vehicle. He fled to a neighboring city in Bossier, where there was a home waiting for him, but he was shot and killed by cops. 

“The individual responsible, once leaving this scene, performed a carjacking right here in close proximity to the corner of West 79th and Linwood, at which point in time, Shreveport police patrol officers got behind that vehicle in a chase incident,” Bordelon said.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Chief Smith said, adding that no officers were injured during the pursuit of Elkins. 

Officials Offer Condolences 

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said this shooting is one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history. “This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” he said in a news conference. “It’s a terrible morning, and we all mourn for the victims.”

Shreveport native and US House Speaker Mike Johnson reacted to the shooting on X, offering more thoughts and prayers. “Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge,” he wrote.

“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and his wife said they were heartbroken over the incident. “We’re praying for everyone affected. We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Governor Landry wrote on Facebook.