Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

By Dan McCaleb and Darren Svan
The Center Square

Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said.

Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs officer Chris Bordelon said at a morning news conference that a total of 10 people were shot, of which eight, all children, were killed. Two adult women who also were shot are in critical condition.

The lone suspect then hijacked a car and led police on a chase into Bossier City, where he was shot and killed, authorities said.

Police said Sunday that Shamar Elkins is the man responsible for this incident.

Bordelon said the victims range in age from 1 to 14 years old. Some of them were related to the suspect.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said.

The crime scene investigation involves four locations, from Cedar Grove to north Bossier. The shootings occurred on the 300 block of West 79th Street.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said officers were still investigating the details and the motive for the fatal shootings and asked the community for patience.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the families of the victims are hurting and he asked the community for their prayers.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement that the details remain under investigation.

According to authorities, the incident began around 5 a.m., when Shreveport law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call.

“Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating this tragic situation,” Murrill said. “We do not yet know all the details, but I am deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life. I’m praying for the victims and their family members in the wake of this devastating violence.”

The Cedar Grove neighborhood is among the most dangerous in Shreveport. At least two other murders occurred there earlier this year.

Smith has repeatedly told the City Council that domestic violence is a critical issue facing the city. As other crime statistics were dropping, domestic violence incidents had been rising.

Shreveport Police responded to nearly 3,000 calls related to domestic violence in 2025, Smith told the City Council in February.

“It’s a growing concern,” Smith said at the February meeting. “Last year about 20-plus percent of the city’s 42 homicides were coded domestic violence.”

Councilman James Green, who represents the district where the killings occurred, will hold a press conference Monday at 11 a.m. at Government Plaza to address community concerns.

As well, the City Council is in the process of organizing a community prayer vigil. Additional details will be released during the press conference.

Shreveport has seen 15 murders so far this year, including the eight from Sunday.

Information on the identity, cause of death and ages of the victims will be released by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.