A 31-year-old military veteran killed eight children during a morning rampage across Louisiana. Authorities identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, who shared a photograph of an outing with his eldest daughter mere hours before the fatal events of 19 April.
The suspect unleashed a morning rampage across multiple addresses in Shreveport, where officers later discovered the deceased victims, ranging in age from 1 to 14. The suspect was subsequently shot and killed by law enforcement after stealing a vehicle and leading police on a pursuit into a neighbouring parish.
The attacks commenced shortly after 6 a.m. Central Time. During a press conference, audible gasps filled the room as a police representative read out the victims' ages.
One day prior, Elkins posted an image on Facebook showing his eldest daughter eating a burger. The caption read, 'Lol!!!! Took my oldest on a lil 1 on 1 date had to catch her down bad ugh ugh,' accompanied by laughing emojis.
Two weeks earlier, the suspect uploaded a photograph featuring himself alongside seven children. He wrote, 'Happy Easter had a wonderful time at church for the first time with all my kids what a blessed day,' referencing a holiday service.
Recent online post suggested the suspect experienced psychological distress. On 9 April, he published a message asking for divine intervention.
'Dear God, Today I ask You to help me guard my mind and my emotions,' the post stated. He added, 'When negativity arises, remind me to say, "It does not belong to me, in the name of Jesus," ' highlighting internal battles.
The post detailed his emotional turmoil. He wrote, 'When depression tries to settle in, when anger rises, when anxiety or panic comes, give me the awareness to recognize what is not from You and the strength to reject it immediately in the name of JESUS.'
Authorities learned an armed individual had carjacked a nearby vehicle following the initial discoveries. Shreveport Police located the transport and initiated a chase crossing into Bossier Parish.
Officers killed Elkins during the final confrontation. Because the incident involved multiple jurisdictions, the Louisiana State Police are managing the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Source: International Business Times UK
