A quiet neighbourhood in Shreveport in US's Louisiana was shaken by a deadly shooting just before sunrise, leaving at least eight children dead in what authorities describe as a deeply disturbing case of violence. The victims were all under the age of 14.
Children among victims, scene spans two homes
According to the Shreveport Police Department, the shooting unfolded across two homes. The gunman first opened fire at one residence before moving to another, where most of the killings took place.
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Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon described the scale of the incident, saying, "This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen."
Seven children were killed at the second house, while another was found dead on a roof, reportedly after trying to escape. Two people were also injured and are currently receiving treatment.
Suspect identified?
Authorities have not formally confirmed the identity of the shooter. However, Daily Mail has named 31-year-old man, Shamar Elkins, as the suspect. Police have indicated that details will be released only after the victims' families are notified.
Investigators believe the case may be linked to domestic violence, though the exact motive remains unclear.
Possible link between suspect and victims
Preliminary reports suggest that some of the children were related to the suspect. Per AP, a neighbour, Liza Demming, told reporters she recognised the man, saying, "He looks like the dad that comes over here."
Officials have also indicated that the suspect had children living at one of the homes where the shooting occurred.
After the shootings, the suspect allegedly fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle and drove towards to Bossier Parish. A police pursuit followed, ending in the suspect being shot dead.
Authorities are still determining whether the fatal shot was self-inflicted or the result of police action. No officers were injured during the chase.
Online posts raise questions, no official link
In the aftermath, attention has turned to the suspect's social media activity. A recent post, written as a prayer, read, "Dear God, Today I ask You to help me guard my mind and my emotions."
"When negativity arises, remind me to say, 'It does not belong to me, in the name of Jesus.'
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"When depression tries to settle in, when anger rises, when anxiety or panic comes, give me the awareness to recognize what is not from You and the strength to reject it immediately in the name of JESUS," he added.
Authorities have not confirmed any link between these posts and the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
