Tragedy in Shreveport: Eight Children Killed in Domestic Shooting

A shooting incident in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of eight children and injuries to two other individuals. Law enforcement officials have described the incident as domestic in nature. The adult male suspect fled the scene, committed a carjacking, and was fatally shot by police during a pursuit. Multiple agencies are investigating.

Incident Overview

On the morning of Sunday, June 23, 2026, Shreveport Police responded to reports of a shooting. The incident involved multiple locations in the city's Cedar Grove neighborhood, specifically in the area of West 79th Street and Harrison Street. Authorities have stated the violence appears to have stemmed from a domestic disturbance.

Victims and Crime Scenes

Fatalities: Eight children were killed. Their ages ranged from 1 to 14 years old.
Injured: Two other people were shot and wounded. Sources describe the injured as two adult women and a teenager. One woman was reportedly shot in the head but survived. A young boy was also injured while jumping from a roof to escape.
Relationship: Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon stated that several of the child victims were descendants of the suspect. One source specified the suspect was the father of some of the children involved.
Locations: The crime scene was extensive, spanning at least three, and possibly four, separate but nearby residences.

Police Response and Suspect's Death

Initial Response: Officers were dispatched just after 6:00 a.m. local time.
Flight and Carjacking: The suspect left the initial scene and committed a carjacking near the intersection of West 79th and Lynnwood streets.
Pursuit: Shreveport police officers pursued the stolen vehicle.
Officer-Involved Shooting: During the chase, which extended into neighboring Bossier Parish, officers discharged their weapons, fatally shooting the suspect. No police officers were harmed.
Investigation: The Louisiana State Police has been asked to investigate the circumstances of the officer-involved shooting. Shreveport police are leading the investigation into the initial shootings.

Official Statements and Investigation Status

Law Enforcement: Police believe the suspect acted alone and was the only individual who fired gunshots during the initial incident. The suspect has been identified by police as Shamar Elkins. A specific motive has not been publicly determined.
Local Officials: Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the event as a tragic situation for the community. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith stated investigators are processing evidence from the large crime scene.
State and Federal Officials: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he was heartbroken by the event. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is from Shreveport, said his team was in contact with local authorities.
Ongoing Inquiry: The investigation is active, with authorities gathering evidence and conducting interviews.

Contextual Information

City Data: Shreveport has a population of approximately 180,000-187,000 people.
Gun Violence Statistics: According to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident with four or more victims shot, this event is among more than 110 such incidents reported in the United States in 2026 prior to Sunday. Other sources note it is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024.