A horrific tragedy unfolded in Louisiana when a man, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his children and their cousin before being shot dead by police during a chase. His wife and a woman believed to be his girlfriend were also seriously injured.
Police in Shreveport responded early Sunday morning to a domestic disturbance call, where they found eight children dead inside a home. Most of the victims, aged 3 to 11, were reportedly shot in their sleep. One child allegedly tried to escape but was also killed.
Authorities said Elkins later died after a confrontation with police during an attempted carjacking. Officials described the incident as one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history.
In the weeks before the killings, Elkins reportedly spoke of “dark thoughts” and told family members that “some people don’t come back from their demons,” according to relatives. He had also expressed suicidal thoughts during a phone call on Easter Sunday.
Investigators say he and his wife were going through a separation and were due in court shortly after the tragedy.