Shamar Elkins, 31, has been identified by the Daily Mail as the suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which left eight children dead and two adult women injured.
Former Caddo Parish Constable Patrick Young told the outlet that the suspect opened fire at a home in Shreveport during what authorities believe was a domestic disturbance.
The suspect was later shot and killed by Shreveport police following a pursuit that ended in Bossier City.
Officials said some of the children were the suspect’s “descendants.” The deceased ranged in age from one to 14.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office said in a statement that it is not yet releasing the names of the children, noting that “scientific identification of the victims is still pending.”
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Mayor Tom Arceneaux told CNN that the gunman had some form of relationship with the two women who were also shot, though the nature of those connections has not yet been determined.
“The two women are in very, very critical condition so we’re not able to get information from them,” he said.
ABC affiliate KTBS reported that both women were shot in the head.
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive in Sunday’s mass killing.
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Prior arrest records surface
East Texas Banner referenced a Shreveport Police Department narrative dated March 18, 2019, which allegedly details a prior arrest involving Elkins in a weapons-related case. The report states he fired multiple shots near Caddo Magnet School while children were present outside the campus. Officers reportedly recovered shell casings and a firearm, and Elkins was taken into custody.
The outlet also published additional material, including an image it claims shows the suspect with children.