Shreveport entered a second day of grief Tuesday following Sunday’s mass shooting in the Cedar Grove neighborhood — the deadliest in the nation in more than two years. Suspect Shamar Elkins, 31, shot eight children and two women across two homes before fleeing, carjacking a vehicle, and being killed by officers in Bossier City. Seven of the eight children were his own.

The victims, identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, were 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. Both women survived. A 13-year-old boy escaped by jumping from the roof.

Governor Jeff Landry traveled to Shreveport Monday, where he announced that First Lady Sharon Landry’s Love One Louisiana foundation would cover funeral expenses for all eight victims. The Community Foundation of North Louisiana also opened two funds: the April 19 Survivors Fund for affected families, and the April 19 Memorial Fund for domestic violence prevention.

Hundreds gathered Monday evening near the shooting scene for a candlelight vigil, bringing together residents, faith leaders, elected officials, and mental health professionals.

Investigators noted Elkins possessed an assault-style weapon despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction, reigniting statewide debate over domestic violence and firearms access. Shreveport police responded to nearly 3,000 domestic violence calls in 2025, with domestic violence accounting for more than 20% of the city’s homicides.