
Eight people, including multiple children, are dead following a domestic-related mass shooting early Sunday morning, April 19, according to the Shreveport Police Department.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said officers responded just after 6 a.m. to reports of a shooting in the 300 block of West 79th Street. Responding officers discovered an extensive crime scene spanning multiple locations, including an additional residence on Harrison Street.
Authorities said at least 10 individuals were struck by gunfire. Eight victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims range in age from approximately 1 year old to 14 years old, and officials indicated the incident is domestic in nature, with several victims believed to be related to the suspect.
Police said the suspect, an adult, fled the scene and committed a carjacking near West 79th Street and Linwood Avenue. Officers pursued the vehicle into Bossier Parish, where the suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement. Officials believe he was the only shooter involved.
The officer-involved shooting will be investigated by Louisiana State Police.
Chief Smith described the situation as one of the most severe incidents the department has encountered, noting the large number of victims and the complexity of the crime scene, which spans at least four locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed grief over the tragedy and urged the community to keep the victims, their families and first responders in their thoughts.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Names of the victims and suspect have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Officials are continuing to process the scene and expect to release additional details as the investigation develops.