Father kills 8 children in Louisiana mass shooting

International

A FATHER shot and killed eight people, including seven of his own children and one unrelated child, in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States, in what police described as a domestic disturbance that turned into a deadly rampage.

Per a repor by BBC, authorities said the victims were aged one to 14 years old, while two adult women, including the children’s mother, are in critical condition following the attack.

Based on police reports, the shooting began around 5:00 a.m. (local time) Sunday when the suspect opened fire inside a residence after initially shooting a woman on the street.

Investigators said the suspect then moved to a nearby home where he continued the attack, killing the children inside.

Police said at least 10 people were shot in total before the suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Officers later pursued him into another area, where he was fatally shot after a police chase.

The suspect was identified as Shamar Elkins, according to authorities, who confirmed that he acted alone. Officials also said one of the children killed was not related to him.

A ninth child reportedly survived after jumping from the roof of the house and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Shreveport police said one victim managed to escape and alert authorities, which led responders to the scene where the bodies of the children were discovered. Officials confirmed all fatalities were juveniles.

Authorities described the case as domestic in nature and said it has deeply shaken the community. Shreveport officials noted that a significant portion of violent crimes in the city are linked to domestic incidents, warning that the latest case has pushed the numbers even higher.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the incident may be one of the worst tragedies the city has ever faced, calling it a devastating blow to families, police responders, and the entire community.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and other US officials have expressed condolences, while law enforcement agencies continue a coordinated investigation into the incident.(Rodgelyn Morales, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)