Shamar Elkins criminal history: Louisiana gunman previously arrested for shooting near school, records show
The suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been identified as Shamar Elkins, the Daily Mail reports. The attack killed eight children and injured two adult women. Elkins was later shot and killed by Shreveport police during a pursuit that ended in Bossier City. Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance. The victims ranged in age from 1 to 14, and officials said some of the children were the suspect’s “Descendants“.
Previous arrest records surface
east texas flag cited a March 18, 2019, Shreveport Police Department account that allegedly detailed Elkins’ previous arrest in a weapons-related case.
He reportedly fired multiple shots near Caddo Magnet School while children were outside the campus. Officers reportedly found shell casings and a firearm, and Elkins was taken into custody.
About two women shot to death
Mayor Tom Arseno told CNN that the gunman had some form of relationship with the two women who were also shot, but the nature of those relationships has not yet been determined.
“The condition of the two women is very, very critical so we are unable to get information from them,” he said.
ABC affiliate KTBS reported that both women were shot in the head.
Also read: Who is Michael Vavasseur? Louisiana fugitive shot and killed by police in Lafayette Parish
official response
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive for Sunday’s mass killing.
“This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever been through,” Arseno said. “It’s been a terrible morning.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson shreveportsaid in a separate statement that they were heartbroken and praised law enforcement for their response.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community during this extremely difficult time,” Johnson said in a statement.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith added: “I don’t know what to say, my heart is blown. I can’t imagine how an incident like this could have happened.”
