A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children, ages 1 to 14, in domestic-related shootings at different homes early Sunday. A total of 10 people were shot, said Shreveport police Chief Wayne Smith. A police spokesperson described some of the children in the homes as the killer's "descendants," per NBC News. The suspect fled to Bossier City after a carjacking, where officers fatally shot him during the chase, police said. The shootings took place about 6am at three locations. It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US in more than two years. Stunned officials asked for patience as they combed through the crime scenes, per the AP. "I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur," Smith said.
Two women were shot at the homes and were being treated for serious wounds, police said. A young boy was hurt when he jumped off a roof, per the Guardian. Shreveport police said the killer was the only person who fired a weapon at the crime scenes. Louisiana State Police said that they've joined the investigation and that no officers were hurt in the chase.
A neighbor who said her security camera filmed the gunman fleeing one of the houses said she didn't hear anything concerning until the gunshots. "It was nothing loud, no altercations," she said. "It was quiet." A state lawmaker said some of the children tried to escape out a back door.
Police haven't released the victims' names. The suspect has been identified as an adult male named Shamar Elkins, per USA Today. "This is a tragic situation—maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had," said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. "It's a terrible morning." The Caddo Parish district attorney's office stressed that the shootings show that "domestic violence is not a private matter" and that "this tragedy's impact demands our collective attention." Another neighbor said, "I hate that it happened to those kids."
This story has been updated with new information.
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