Five-year-old Shayla Elkins was one of eight children killed April 19, 2026, in a domestic-violence mass shooting that struck multiple homes in the Cedar Grove area of Shreveport, Louisiana. Authorities said seven of the children were the gunman’s own and one was a cousin. At least seven children were found dead inside a West 79th Street home; an eighth child was found outside after apparently trying to escape. Some victims appeared to have tried to flee through windows or onto the roof.

Police identified 31-year-old Shamar Elkins as the sole gunman. Investigators said the violence began after he shot a woman at a Harrison Street home, then took children and went to the West 79th Street residence where the execution-style killings occurred. Two adult women survived gunshot wounds, and another child or teenager was injured while escaping from the roof. Elkins fled, carjacked a vehicle, was pursued into Bossier City and died after an exchange of gunfire with officers; investigators later also examined whether the fatal wound was self-inflicted.

Officials said the case was domestic in nature and that Elkins had been separating from his wife.

If anyone knew Shayla or the other children, or has information that could clarify how the gun was obtained, please share what you know.