At least eight children were killed and several others injured in a shooting in US state of Louisiana, officials said, describing it as a domestic violence incident.
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The Shreveport Police Department said officers responded just after 6 a.m. local time to reports of a disturbance on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, allegedly first shot a woman on Harrison Street before moving to another home on West 79th Street, where the children were killed.
Eight children between the ages of one and 14 have been shot and killed at two different homes in Louisiana Sunday morning, according to Shreveport police.https://t.co/Yabn9nRILH
— CBS 6 Albany – WRGB (@CBS6Albany) April 19, 2026
Police said the victims included children aged between 1 and 14 years old. Authorities said seven of the children were the suspect’s own, while one was a family friend. Two women were seriously injured and taken to hospital, while a teenager sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police added that the suspect carjacked an adult male near Linwood Avenue and West 79th Street before fleeing the area, prompting a pursuit that crossed into neighboring Bossier Parish. The chase ended in Bossier City, where an exchange of gunfire occurred and the suspect was fatally shot by law enforcement.
The Louisiana State Police will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Officials said preliminary findings suggest officers acted within department policy. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies the city has faced,” calling it a devastating morning for the community.
The incident has prompted widespread shock across Louisiana, with officials emphasizing that investigations remain ongoing and many details are still being verified. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as law enforcement continues to gather evidence from multiple scenes.
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Officials also said counseling and support services are being made available for affected families and community members as the region deals with the aftermath of the violence. A full report is expected once forensic analysis and witness statements are completed in the coming days.