New York Post, by Anthony Blair: A crazed Louisiana dad fatally shot eight kids — including seven of his own children — and wounded two women during a rampage Sunday morning.
Seven of the slain kids were the children of murderous, deranged dad and 31-year-old Army vet Shamar Elkins, who also killed his kids’ cousin during the massacre, according to local officials.
The victims ranged in age from 3 to 11.
Cops found seven of the murdered children in one house — while the eighth child killed appeared to have futilely tried to escape off the roof on the back of the house when he was shot, Shreveport Police Department spokesman Christopher Bordelon said.
Most of the children were shot in the head while they slept. He believes Elkins used a small-caliber handgun for the initial killings, but was carrying a “rifle-style pistol” when he was apprehended, Bordelon told NBC News.
The killer also shot the two mothers of his children, each in the head, during his rampage.
He shot his wife, with whom he shared four kids, at the home with the children and the mother of three of his kids at a separate home nearby, according to a relative who spoke to the Associated Press.
Crystal Brown, one of the surviving victims’ cousins, told the outlet that Elkins and his wife were in the process of formally separating and were due in court on Monday.
She said the pair were arguing about their separation when Elkins opened fire.
At least one of the women suffered life-threatening injuries.
“We have three crime scenes just here in Shreveport. One of them is incredibly gruesome in nature,” Bordelon said.
“I know that some of the suspect’s children resided there. I’m not sure if at one point in time he lived there.”
There were audible gasps as Bordelon revealed the ages of the deceased.
The crime scenes in Shreveport were described as “extensive” and spanned two homes on the same street and a third on a nearby street.
After the shootings, the gunman carjacked a vehicle and tried to escape by fleeing to neighboring Bossier City, where he had a connection to a home, but was killed by pursuing cops, according to authorities.
“The individual responsible, once leaving this scene, performed a carjacking right here in close proximity to the corner of West 79th and Linwood, at which point in time, Shreveport police patrol officers got behind that vehicle in a chase incident,” Bordelon said.
No police officers were injured in their pursuit of Elkins.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Chief Smith said.
Louisiana State Police said their detectives have been asked to help investigate by the Shreveport PD, KSLA reported.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the shooting as one of the worst tragedies in his city’s history.
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” the mayor told a news conference.
“It’s a terrible morning, and we all mourn for the victims,” he said.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he and his wife Sharon were heartbroken over the events.
“We’re praying for everyone affected. We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Gov. Landry wrote on Facebook Sunday.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was born in Shreveport and represents the city in Congress, also spoke out.
“Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge,” he wrote on X.
“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response,” Johnson added.
Prophetic Link:
“Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly are they waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are waiting and watching and working for our Lord’s appearing. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to shun and a heaven to win.” Desire of Ages, 636.1
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