Father Shoots and Kills 7 of His Own Children in the U.S.: A Desperate Call Before the Tragedy

Father Shoots and Kills 7 of His Own Children in the U.S.: A Desperate Call Before the Tragedy

Relatives say 31-year-old Shamar Elkins showed signs of a mental health crisis and had spoken about wanting to end his life before the deadly shooting that claimed the lives of eight children in Louisiana.

“The worst tragedy”

According to The New York Times, the gunman carried out shootings at at least three locations in Shreveport, Louisiana, leaving eight children dead and two others critically injured. The incident ended after a police pursuit on the morning of April 19 (local time), during which Elkins was shot and killed.

Authorities identified the shooter as Shamar Elkins, 31. The victims, aged between 1 and 11, were: 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 children were Elkins’ own. A spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department said the children were shot “execution-style.”

Elkins also shot two women, including his wife, who remains in critical condition.

After the shootings, authorities say Elkins carjacked a vehicle and fled, prompting a police chase. Officers opened fire, and Elkins died, though it remains unclear whether he was killed by police or died by his own gunshot.

At a press conference, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the घटना as “possibly the worst tragedy we have ever witnessed.”

Investigators have not yet determined a motive, and the case remains under investigation.

A desperate call: “Some people can’t escape the demons inside”

Family members revealed that Elkins had recently been struggling with mental health issues and tension in his relationship with his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh.

On Easter earlier this month, Elkins called his mother, Mahelia Elkins, and stepfather, Marcus Jackson. They said he sounded deeply distressed, even as they could hear children playing in the background.

He broke down in tears and told them he wanted to end his life. He also said his wife was seeking a divorce and that he was overwhelmed by “dark thoughts.”

“I told him, ‘You can get through anything. Whatever you’re facing, you can overcome it,’” Jackson recalled.

“But he said, ‘Some people can’t escape the demons inside them.’”

Elkins ended the call, saying he would pass along greetings from his parents to the children, who were dressed up for Easter.

A troubled past

Elkins’ mother said she was not fully aware of the issues between her son and his wife. Records show the couple married in 2024. Elkins had previously worked for UPS and served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signal support systems specialist. He was never deployed and left the service at the rank of private.

Court records indicate at least two prior offenses: a DUI in 2016 and illegal use of a weapon in 2019. In the 2019 incident, police reported that Elkins fired five shots at a vehicle after the driver allegedly pointed a gun at him.

“Everyone was fine” — until it wasn’t

Elkins’ relationship with his mother had been distant. She gave birth to him as a teenager while struggling with drug addiction and placed him in the care of a family friend, Betty Walker. They only reconnected about a decade ago.

Walker, who spoke with authorities but did not witness the घटना, said Elkins shot his wife multiple times, including in the head and abdomen.

She last saw him the previous weekend when the family gathered for dinner, and nothing seemed unusual.

“This morning I woke up, made coffee, and then got the call. My children are gone,” she said.

A former coworker, Willie Vasher, described Elkins as a seemingly devoted father when they worked together at UPS in 2024. However, he often appeared stressed and had developed a bald spot from pulling his hair when anxious.

“I keep asking myself all day — what happened?” Vasher said.

In recent weeks, Elkins’ parents had grown increasingly concerned, even as he tried to hold onto hope. Earlier this month, he 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, he replied, “Everyone is fine.”

On April 16, she messaged him:
“I love you all. Kiss my grandsons and granddaughters for me. Thank you.”

He never replied.

By the morning of April 19, Jackson sensed something was wrong when strangers began commenting on Elkins’ Facebook posts, calling him a “monster.”

His mother picked up her phone and read the headline: eight children — including her grandchildren — were dead.

“Why, God… why?” she cried.