A 13-year-old boy who survived the Shreveport family killings has described how he escaped by jumping from a roof during a violent attack that left eight children dead, including seven from the same family, in Louisiana.
The incident took place on April 19, 2026, when Shamar Elkins, a 31-year-old Army veteran, allegedly opened fire inside a home before moving to another nearby residence where the majority of the victims were found, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities say the attack resulted in multiple casualties, with victims ranging in age from 3 to 11. The survivor is believed to be the only child to escape the second location, sustaining serious injuries after leaping from the structure as the shooting unfolded inside.
Police confirmed that two adult women were also injured during the incident and remain under medical care. Elkins was later located following a vehicle pursuit and died after being shot by responding officers.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the killings, including the suspect’s mental health history and recent behaviour. No official motive has been confirmed at this stage.
The case has drawn widespread attention in the United States due to the scale of the tragedy and the number of children involved, with authorities still working to establish a full timeline of events.
