A Louisiana father and Army veteran executed eight children, including seven of his own, in a domestic violence massacre that began with an argument with his wife on Easter Sunday morning in Shreveport.

The Victims

Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victims 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. All eight children were found dead inside their home after 31-year-old Shamar Elkins opened fire around 6 a.m. Sunday. Shreveport Police Department spokesman Christopher Bordelon confirmed most victims were shot in the head while sleeping. One child died on the roof attempting to escape.

Multiple Homes Targeted

Elkins attacked two separate residences, shooting his wife in the face at the home where the eight children died. He then traveled to another house where he shot a second woman, believed to be his girlfriend. Both women remain in critical condition. Crystal Brown, a cousin of one surviving victim, revealed Elkins shared four children with his wife and three with the other injured woman. The couple was separating and scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Hours before the killings, Elkins posted photos on social media showing himself with the children, including a date with his eldest daughter, Sariahh, and an Easter picture outside the church.

Confrontation With Police

Following the massacre, Elkins attempted to carjack a vehicle. Police confronted him during this incident, resulting in his death. Brown described all the victims as happy, friendly, and sweet children. The eighth victim was Elkins’ nephew, though authorities have not disclosed which child. The tragedy has devastated the Shreveport community as investigators work to understand how a domestic dispute escalated into Louisiana’s deadliest family violence incident in recent memory. Both mothers identified their children’s bodies at the coroner’s office as the investigation continues.