The shooting occurred in the early morning of April 19, local time, at 3 houses in Shreveport city. Police received a report of gunshots in the Cedar Grove residential area, Shreveport, shortly after 6 am (local time). Upon arrival, they discovered the victims at 2 houses on West 79th Street and another house on Harrison Street.
This is the most serious family attack in the US since January 2024. According to police, the young victims were aged 1 to 14.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, according to information from Communications Director of Sheriff of Shreveport Leigh Anne Evensky. Investigators believe that Elkins is related to at least some victims.
The suspect was shot down by police after robbing the car and fleeing, leading to a chase to the nearby administrative area. Louisiana State Police are investigating the incident.
Two adult women and 1 teenager were also injured in the latest shooting in the US. Mayor Tom Arceneaux informed that 2 women are in critical condition, and the teenager was injured but not life-threatening.
Mayor Arceneaux described the scene as "horrific". "The incident shook the whole city. It affects us all," Mr. Arceneaux said.
According to the Gun Violence Archive organization, since the beginning of the year, the US has recorded at least 114 mass shootings. This organization defines mass shootings as when 4 or more people are shot, not counting gunmen.
Shreveport City, about 400km northwest of the capital Baton Rouge, has a population of about 180,000 people. More than 30% of murders here are related to family factors, according to city MP Grayson Boucher.
