Tragic Family Massacre in Shreveport
A former Louisiana Army National Guardsman killed seven of his children and a nephew execution-style during a domestic dispute in Shreveport on Sunday. Shamar Elkins, 31, opened fire at a home, leaving eight young victims dead in one of the deadliest family shootings in U.S. history. His 34-year-old wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and another woman survived after being shot, with 10 people total wounded.
Emotional Call to Parents Before Rampage
Elkins battled dark thoughts and suicidal ideation amid stress from his crumbling marriage. Pugh had demanded a divorce, sources close to the family confirm. Over Easter weekend, Elkins called his mother, Mahelia Elkins, and stepfather, Marcus Jackson, in tears, expressing a desire to end his life.
“You can beat stuff, man. I don’t care what you’re going through, you can beat it,” Jackson recounted. Elkins replied, “Some people don’t come back from their demons.”
The couple, married on April 9, 2024, after 10 years together, shared four daughters. Elkins had three other children with a nearby resident, also targeted in the attack. They faced court on Monday over the separation.
The Shooting Unfolds Across Locations
The violence began at a home near a Baptist church. Victims included 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. A young boy escaped by jumping from the roof.
Elkins shot Pugh multiple times, including in the head and stomach. She underwent surgery Sunday night as family identified the children’s bodies. “We are in shock… Losing seven of your children and also being shot yourself,” a relative stated.
Police report Elkins argued with Pugh before the rampage, then carjacked a vehicle, sparking a high-speed chase. Officers fatally shot him at a third location a quarter-mile away.
Crystal Brown, cousin of one survivor, said, “He murdered his children. He shot his wife.” The other mother suffered life-threatening injuries but one woman is expected to recover.
Recent Signs and Background
Days earlier, Elkins posted an Easter photo with his seven children: “Happy Easter had a wonderful time at church for the first time with all my kids what a blessed day.” Earlier this month, he responded bluntly to a social media prompt about regretting his children’s mother: “Hell yehhhhhhhh I would.”
Mahelia Elkins last saw her son the prior weekend for dinner and noticed nothing unusual. She and Jackson had grown uneasy recently, texting him Tuesday. He replied the family was “ok,” but ignored her follow-up.
Elkins served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a Signal Support System Specialist and Fire Support Specialist, leaving as a private with no deployments. He had a 2019 arrest for firing shots near a Shreveport high school, charged with illegal weapon use and carrying a firearm near a school. He served 30 days in jail and 18 months supervised release.
The investigation continues.
