New details continue to emerge following the devastating Shreveport, Louisiana mass shooting, as a homeowner who knew Shamar Elkins personally shares a chilling account of the final moments before his death.
“Everyone keeps asking… yes, that is my house you’re seeing on the national news,” the homeowner wrote. “This tragic incident that took the lives of eight innocent children ended right here in my driveway.”
According to his account, he knew Elkins personally, and Elkins arrived at the home after fleeing the scene. “I had just spoken to him the day before about his situation. I didn’t see any signs of what was coming,” he said.
He described being unaware of the unfolding tragedy until his security cameras alerted him. “I heard his voice, opened the door, and there he was… we spoke for less than a minute,” he recalled, before Elkins placed the barrel in his mouth and fatally shot himself. The homeowner added that officers appeared to return fire immediately after the gunshot. From his perspective, he believes they thought Elkins was shooting at them or at him, noting he was injured by shattered glass during the exchange.
“Please keep those babies in your prayers,” the homeowner concluded. “This is something that will never leave us.”
The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning, April 19th across several homes in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport, Louisiana. According to authorities, Shamar and his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh Elkins, got into an argument which led to him going on a rampage – shooting his wife and then fatally shooting eight children, execution style. The children believed to be asleep when the incident happen, according to authorities. The victims’ age ranged from 3 to 11 years old, seven of whom were Shamar’s children. The relationship of the other child was Shamar’s nephew. Another woman, who was identified as Shamar’s girlfriend, Christina Snow, was also shot and remains in critical condition. Shaneiqua also remains in critical condition from her injuries. A 13-year-old boy survived the shooting after jumping from a roof, suffering broken bones.
After the incident, the suspect fled the scene – leading the police on a pursuit to a nearby parish, Bossier Parish, where he was later fatally shot, authorities said. Shamar was reportedly set to appear in divorce proceedings the following day after the mass shooting, April 20th.
Authorities say Shamar had recently confided in his mother and stepfather that he was emotionally distress and experiencing “dark thoughts” amid his separation from his wife.
Reports indicate that Shamar called his mother and stepfather on Easter Sunday to say his wife had filed for divorce. During the conversation, he allegedly expressed suicidal thoughts and said, “Some people don’t come back from their demons,” despite his stepfather urging him to stay strong and work through his problems.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential support.
