In Louisiana, a man shot eight children and was shot dead by police following a chase
In Shreveport, Louisiana, a man shot and killed eight children during an incident that law enforcement officials have classified as domestic violence. He then fled in a stolen car and was shot dead by police during the chase, according to NBC.
According to police, the shooting took place on Sunday morning at two separate properties. Prior to this, the suspect had injured a woman on Harrison Street, before arriving at a house on West 79th Street, where he shot the children.
Among the dead were three boys and five girls aged between 3 and 11. Earlier reports had estimated their ages to be between one and 14. Seven of the eight children were the suspect’s own children, whilst another was a relative.
The police have identified the shooter as Shamar Elkins. After the attack, he stole a car near the junction of Linwood Avenue and West 79th Street and attempted to flee. Law enforcement officers shot him dead in the neighbouring borough of Bosier.
Two women were also injured in the shooting. One of them is the suspect’s wife, the other is believed to be an acquaintance. A total of 10 people were injured. One teenager sustained non-life-threatening injuries after falling from the roof.
According to the police, most of the children were shot whilst asleep, mainly in the head. Some of the bodies were found inside the house, whilst another child was discovered on the rear roof.
The police note that a small-calibre weapon was used in the shooting, and the suspect was in possession of a rifle-type pistol at the time of his arrest.
Law enforcement officers are currently establishing the motives for the crime. It is known that the suspect had previously been convicted in 2019 for the unlawful use of a firearm.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arseno said the community is reeling from the tragic events.
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