A 31-year-old father is suspected of carrying out one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States in more than two years, allegedly killing seven of his young children and their cousin in a domestic incident that unfolded across two homes early Sunday morning.
The victims were identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office as 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. The suspect’s wife, who was seriously injured during the shooting, was also hospitalized.
Authorities said the suspect had recently informed his wife of his desire for a divorce and had been struggling with “dark thoughts.” A relative, Marcus Jackson, told local media he had tried to encourage the man, who reportedly replied, “Some people don’t come back from their demons.”
The suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 until his discharge in 2020 at the rank of private. He held roles as a signal support systems specialist and fire support specialist but was never deployed, according to military officials. Court records indicate he had prior convictions, including weapons-related charges and a 2016 DUI arrest.
Elkins was later killed during a confrontation with responding officers. The incident has devastated the local community and reignited conversations about domestic violence, mental health support, and public safety. Investigations remain ongoing.
