Shamar Elkins

Mass Murderer

Shamar Elkins and the 2026 Shreveport Massacre

Overview of the Case

On April 19, 2026, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins carried out a devastating series of shootings against members of his own family in Shreveport, Louisiana. Eight children between the ages of 3 and 11 were killed. Seven of the children were Elkins' biological children, while the eighth was his nephew and the cousin of the other victims. Two women, identified as Elkins' wife and former wife, were also shot and seriously wounded. The violence unfolded before sunrise at two residences in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of southern Shreveport. Investigators described the massacre as a domestic-violence attack occurring while Elkins and his wife were reportedly separating. The couple was expected to appear in court the following day. Police did not immediately announce a definitive motive, but relatives said Elkins had become increasingly distressed over the possible end of his marriage.

The First Shooting

The attack began at approximately 5:55 a.m. on April 19, 2026, at a residence on Harrison Street in Shreveport. Elkins confronted his former wife, Christina Snow, and shot her multiple times. Despite being critically wounded, Snow survived the attack and was able to provide authorities with information about Elkins and the children. Police received the first emergency call shortly before 6:00 a.m. Officers reached the Harrison Street residence within minutes and learned that Elkins had left the area. Authorities were told that he had taken Snow's three children, who were also his children, and had traveled to another family residence.

The West 79th Street Massacre

Elkins proceeded to a house in the 300 block of West 79th Street. Several members of the extended family were inside, including his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, their children, the children he shared with Christina Snow, and his nephew. Investigators believed that many or all of the children had been asleep when the attack began. Inside the house, Elkins shot and killed eight children. He also shot Shaneiqua Pugh, who survived with serious injuries. Keosha Pugh, Shaneiqua's sister, and Keosha's 12-year-old daughter escaped by jumping from the roof of the house. Keosha suffered broken bones, while her daughter reportedly sustained comparatively minor injuries. Police were initially responding to the Harrison Street shooting when a second emergency call directed them to the West 79th Street residence. Officers entered the house and discovered the children. The scene was described by law-enforcement officials as one of the most difficult and horrifying incidents the Shreveport Police Department had ever encountered. ...

Confirmed Victims: (9)

Jayla Elkins 3 yr old Male

This is Shamar Elkins, the man police say is responsible for shooting and ...