A Louisiana father and uncle murdered 7 of his own children along with another child-relative in a gruesome and unbelievably horrific act of violence on Sunday.
Police say 31 year old Shamar Elkins went on the killing spree shortly after arguing with his wife, whom he shared four of the slain children with. He shot her in the face in the home where he then proceeded to murder the children, including three kids he shared with another woman, reported to be his girlfriend, whom he shot at a nearby house.
Both women survived their injuries but are reported to be in critical condition.
Most of the children, however, were reportedly shot in the head as they slept. They ranged in age from 3-11 and included five boys and three girls.
Police ientified the children as 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 . They were all found dead inside their home.
One of the children was killed on the roof while trying to escape, police said.
Elkins was an uncle to one of the murdered children.
Elkins and his wife were reportedly going through a court-supervised separation and were due in court on Monday. According to reports, a discussion between the two turned into an argument that ended with his wife shot, his girlfriend also shot, and the children killed.
Elkins was later shot dead by police after a carjacking incident.
The shocking homicides and attempted murders shocked the quiet Shreveport neighborhood where it all took place. Family members of the children and women shot have been devastated by the scale of their loss.
In speaking with the media, relatives described the slain children as “happy kids, very friendly, very sweet.”
Elkins, who routinely shared photos of himself and his family on social media, was reported to have served in the military and was trained in handling weapons and firearms.