SHREVEPORT, La. — Authorities have identified the suspect in a devastating mass shooting that unfolded early Sunday morning in Shreveport, leaving eight children dead and several others injured in what investigators describe as a domestic violence incident spanning multiple locations.

Shreveport Police confirmed the gunman as Shamar Elkins, who investigators say was the father of seven of the eight children killed.

According to police spokesperson Cpl. Christopher Bordelon, the violence began before sunrise when Elkins shot a woman at one residence.

He then traveled to a second home, where the majority of the killings occurred.

At the second location, eight children between the ages of 3 and 11 were shot.

Seven of the victims were found inside the home, while one child was discovered deceased on the roof, apparently after attempting to escape the violence.

The victims have been 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
• Braylon Snow, 5

In addition to the children killed, two adult women sustained critical injuries, and a teenager was also wounded but is expected to survive.

One of the injured women is believed to be the mother of some of the suspect’s children.

Investigators stated that the incident appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Authorities noted that Elkins had a prior firearms-related arrest in 2019 but said there was no documented history of domestic violence involving him.

Following the shootings, Elkins fled the area, allegedly carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint, which led to a police pursuit into neighboring Bossier City.

During the pursuit, officers discharged their weapons.

Elkins was later confirmed deceased, though officials have not yet provided full details regarding the circumstances of his death.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon said, emphasizing the scale and complexity of the investigation.

Local officials expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith described the incident as unimaginable, while Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it “a terrible morning” and possibly one of the worst tragedies the city has ever experienced.

State and federal leaders also issued statements offering condolences and support to the victims’ families and the broader community.

The Louisiana State Police have joined the investigation at the request of local authorities.

Officials are urging anyone with information, including photos or video related to the incident, to come forward and assist investigators.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to process multiple crime scenes and piece together the events leading up to the attack.