Louisiana Family Massacre: Child Escapes by Jumping from Roof as Eight Children Killed in Shreveport Shooting

Shreveport: A child survived a horrific family massacre in Louisiana by escaping from a rooftop during a mass shooting that left eight children dead, according to authorities investigating one of the deadliest domestic violence incidents in recent memory.

Police said the survivor, a 12-year-old girl, suffered injuries after jumping from the roof while trying to flee the attack inside a Shreveport home early Sunday. She is expected to recover.

Authorities allege the shooting was carried out by 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, who is accused of killing seven of his children and one cousin in a violent rampage before fleeing the scene, triggering a police chase that ended with officers fatally shooting him in neighbouring Bossier City.

Investigators said several victims were found inside the house, including some in their beds, while another child was discovered near the roof, suggesting an attempted escape during the attack.

Officials said the surviving girl was not the suspect’s daughter, correcting earlier confusion about the identity of the lone survivor.

Police are continuing to examine what led to the killings, though early indications suggest the suspect may have acted amid severe personal turmoil linked to an ongoing divorce. Authorities said two adult women, including the suspect’s estranged spouse and another woman, were also shot but survived.

Investigators described the scene as chaotic and devastating, with evidence indicating some victims were targeted while sleeping and others while trying to run.

The case has raised fresh questions around domestic violence warning signs, access to firearms and the mental state of the accused, as police continue to reconstruct the sequence of events behind the tragedy.