Louisiana Man Kills 8 Children, Self

0:00It's April 20th, Canada News Today starts now. AI powered and ready. I'm Corey with the story. A Louisiana man named Shamar Elkins carried out one of the deadliest family attacks in recent years, killing eight young children in Shreveport before. Dying in a police shootout. The victims included seven of his own kids, ages 3 to 11, 3 boys and 5 girls, and his nephew. This happened early Sunday across two nearby houses, leaving his wife and another woman critically wounded, but expected to recover. Elkins was in the process of separating from his wife, who family says is the mother of some of the children. The shooting started before dawn at one home south of downtown, then moved a few blocks away where he targeted the kids. Police chased him down after he fled, and officers opened fire, ending the rampage. The community is reeling, with folks hugging their own kids tighter and holding vigils, bringing flowers and lighting candles outside the homes, and nearby spots.

1:00First responders spaced unimaginable scenes, like one person who jumped from a roof to escape and survived. Police chief Wayne Smith called it heartbreaking beyond words. Investigators found no recent domestic violence reports on Elkins, and his criminal record was light, just probation in 2019 for firing. Shots and self-defense during a dispute. Police described the family as quiet, hardworking types who kept to themselves. Police are still piecing together the motive, but this tragedy tops the list as the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since eight died in the Chicago. Further back in January 2024, shaking everyone to the core of our family safety.