In brief
A mother and child jumped from a roof to escape a horrific shooting in Louisiana that resulted in the deaths of eight children. The shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, engaged in a gun battle with police and died at the scene. The incident highlights a tragic case of domestic violence, marking a dark day for the Shreveport community.
A woman and a child jumped from a rooftop to escape a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, where authorities say a father fatally shot eight children, including seven of his own. Officials were alerted to the gun attack via an emergency call at 05:55 CDT (11:55 GMT) on Sunday, with the caller reporting they were 'on top of the house' while the suspect was inside.Police did not disclose the identities of the survivors but confirmed both were in stable condition. The gunman, Shamar Elkins, was found dead following a gun battle with officers. It remains unclear whether he took his own life or was killed by the police.Among the eight children killed were three boys and five girls aged between 3 and 11, identified by their mothers as Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, and Braylon Snow.Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith recounted how the initial caller reported jumping from the roof to escape, later saying they were in the backyard. Minutes later, the gunman attacked another home, leading to police responding to multiple emergencies involving his violent actions. A ninth child was taken to the hospital after jumping from the roof during the escape, while two adult women were also injured. Police have yet to establish a motive but noted Elkins had a criminal history and was reportedly going through a divorce. The incident underscores the urgent need for community efforts to prevent domestic violence, especially in the wake of the recent opening of a domestic violence center just days prior to the tragedy.
