America’s worst nightmare: Father shoots and kills 7 biological children in Louisiana; the killer’s final desperate call to his biological parents shocks the public; paternal grandparents knew of the tragedy but could do nothing to save their grandchildren
Relatives: Louisiana Man Suffered Mental Crisis Before Killing 8 Children in Shooting Rampage
Mourners gathered for a candlelight vigil in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 19, following a devastating shooting that claimed the lives of eight children. — Photo: AFP
“The Worst Tragedy”
According to The New York Times, a man who opened fire at three separate locations in Shreveport, Louisiana, killing eight children and critically injuring two women, was fatally shot following a police pursuit on the morning of April 19 (local time).
The gunman was identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins. The victims, all children aged between 1 and 11, were identified as: Jayla Elkins (3), Shayla Elkins (5), Kayla Pugh (6), Layla Pugh (7), Markaydon Pugh (10), Sariahh Snow (11), Khedarrion Snow (6), and Braylon Snow (5).
Seven of the eight deceased children were Elkins’ own. A spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department stated that Elkins shot the children “execution-style.”
Elkins also shot two women, including his wife, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Following the shootings, authorities say Elkins hijacked a vehicle and led police on a high-speed chase. Officers opened fire, and Elkins was killed. It remains unclear whether he was struck by police gunfire or died from a s’;’;e:;lf-i’;’;nf’;’;li’;’;cted wound.
At a press conference, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the event as “perhaps the worst tragedy we have ever seen.”
As of the afternoon of April 19, friends and relatives were struggling to process the agonizing loss. While the investigation continues, police have yet to provide a formal motive.
Desperate Calls: “Can’t Escape the Demons Within”
In interviews, relatives revealed that Elkins had recently been battling mental health issues and a strained relationship with his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh.
Earlier this month on Easter, Elkins called his mother, Mahelia Elkins, and stepfather, Marcus Jackson. They recalled that he sounded depressed, even as the sounds of his children playing could be heard in the background.
A tearful Elkins told them he wanted to end his life. He confided in his stepfather that his wife wanted a divorce and that he was being consumed by “dark thoughts.”
“I told him, ‘You can get through anything. Whatever you’re going through, you can make it,'” Mr. Jackson recalled.
“I remember him saying, ‘There are some people who just can’t escape the demons within themselves,'” he shared.
Elkins then hung up, promising to tell the children—who were dressed up for Easter—that their grandparents in Oklahoma City sent their love.
His mother noted she was unsure of the exact nature of the marital issues. Records show the couple married in 2024. She added that her son had previously worked for UPS and served in the Army.
U.S. Army records indicate Elkins served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from August 2013 to August 2020 as a signal support and fire support specialist. He had no deployments and left the service with the rank of Private.
His criminal record included at least two prior convictions: a DUI in 2016 and the illegal use of a weapon in 2019. In the 2019 incident, police records state Elkins drew a handgun and fired five shots at a vehicle after the driver allegedly pointed a gun at him.
Tragedy After an “Everyone is Fine” Text
Mahelia Elkins shared that her relationship with her son was not always close. Having had him as a teenager while struggling with drug addiction, she placed him in the care of a family friend, Betty Walker. Mother and son only reconnected about 10 years ago.
Ms. Walker—who spoke with authorities but did not witness the shooting—said Elkins shot his wife multiple times, including in the head and abdomen.
Walker last saw Elkins the previous weekend when the family came over for dinner; she noted nothing seemed out of the ordinary. “I woke up this morning to make coffee and got the call. My babies are gone,” she said.
Willie Vasher, a former colleague at UPS, said their children used to play together in Shreveport in 2024. To him, Elkins appeared to be a typical, devoted father.
The only red flag Vasher noticed was Elkins’ constant state of stress. He had a bald patch on his head from a habit of pulling his hair when anxious—a trait his mother also noticed. “All day I’ve been asking myself, ‘What happened?'” Vasher said.
In recent weeks, Elkins’ parents felt uneasy, despite his attempts to find hope. He recently posted a prayer on Facebook: “Lord, today I ask You to help me control my mind and my emotions.”
He also sent them a family photo. When his mother checked in recently, he replied, “Everyone is fine.”
On April 16, she messaged him: “I love you all. Kiss my grandsons and granddaughters for me. Thank you so much.”
He never replied.
On the morning of April 19, Mr. Jackson realized something was wrong when strangers began commenting on Facebook posts, calling Elkins a “monster.”
Elkins’ mother picked up her phone and read the headline that eight children—including her own grandchildren—were dead.
“Why, God? Why?” she wept.
