A 31-year-old man identified as Shamar Elkins has shot eight children in a tragic incident in Shreveport, located in the US state of Louisiana, killing seven of them. The incident occurred on Sunday morning and has been described by authorities as one of the most shocking cases of violence involving children in recent years in the United States.
According to police, five girls and three boys aged between three and 11 were among the victims. Seven of the children who died were Elkins’ own, while the eighth victim was their cousin.
During the attack, a 13-year-old boy managed to escape by jumping from the roof of the house, sustaining minor injuries. Two women were also seriously injured in the shooting.
Reports indicate that Elkins first shot his wife, who is the mother of the seven children, leaving her critically injured. He then went to another house where the children were with another woman and opened fire, also leaving that woman in critical condition.
Authorities said the motive behind the shooting has not yet been established. However, police emphasized the importance of monitoring and supporting individuals experiencing serious mental health problems before situations escalate into tragedies.
According to CNN, a neighborhood security camera captured footage of Elkins fleeing the house after the shooting and running toward a nearby tire shop. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.