The eight young children gunned down by a deranged Army veteran and father during a harrowing domestic violence massacre in Louisiana early Sunday have been identified.
The children were formally identified by their mothers, according to a news release from the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. All eight — five girls and three boys — were killed by 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, when he went on a rampage through Shreveport following an argument with his wife around 6 a.m. Sunday.
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 were all found dead inside their home in Shreveport.
Elkins fathered seven of the children and was an uncle to the eighth victim, according to local officials. It’s unclear which was the cousin among the eight dead.
Shreveport Police Department spokesman Christopher Bordelon told NBC News that most of the victims were shot in the head while they slept.
One of the children was killed on the roof while trying to escape, police said.
Elkins, who was later killed by police, also shot and wounded two women during his murderous rage.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
