On April 19, 2026, multiple families faced an unimaginable tragedy when Shamar Elkins opened fire in the home of his estranged wife. During the early morning execution-style killings, he killed his seven children and one child who was related to them. In addition, he shot two women: his wife, who was allegedly seeking a divorce, and another woman that may have been his girlfriend. Both women were the mothers of the children killed. As the investigation continues, details are starting to come out that paint a picture of who Elkins was and what may have led him to commit mass murder.
There were definitely clues that Elkins had complicated relationships.
Christina Snow, the mother of 11-year-old Sariahh Snow, who was killed in the shooting, was previously in a relationship with Elkins.
On New Year’s Eve 2015, Snow wrote a Facebook post about feeling loved by Elkins, People reported. However, she posted that she was hurt because he wouldn’t let her move on the next day.
According to the magazine, in December 2016, she wrote, “Wish i never met you Shamar Elkins,” tagging him in the post.
In addition to Sariahh, Snow and Elkins had two more children, 6-year-old Khedarrion Snow and 5-year-old Braylon Snow, KSLA reported on Facebook. The outlet also identified Snow as one of the women shot.
A GoFundMe account has been started by Carla Collins, a community organizer who founded the group Be the Village, for Snow and her family.
Two days before the murder, Elkins shared a picture of Sariahh on Facebook. “Took my oldest on a lil 1 on 1 date had to catch her down bad,” he wrote.
The father of the other victim has spoken out.
Ten-year-old Mar’Kaydon Pugh was the cousin of the other children killed, his father Troy Brown shared in a Facebook post.
“My boy may God rest your soul son. Daddy gonna miss u so much. I love u Mar’Kaydon nothing will ever change that,” the post began. “Watch over us from on high. Give your grannies(Jeanette & Topeka) a hug for us. This hurts so bad, pls pray for me and Keosha Pugh on the lost of our only son and our nieces and nephews.God pls give us strength.”
It has not been stated, but based on social media, it’s likely that Keosha Pugh is related to Shaneiqua Pugh Elkins, who was Elkins’ wife and another victim.
His main goal was just to kill.
“There’s blood and bodies everywhere,” Shreveport Corporal Christopher Bordelon told People. “Some were shot in the bed, some were shot trying to get away.”
Although police are still trying to establish motive, they made it clear the killing was just a massacre.
“I think he just had it in his mind he was going to kill everybody in the house,” Bordelon said, per People. “I don’t think there was much thought processes to order. I don’t know that he necessarily had a plan other than just to kill everybody.”
According to Bordelon, Elkins took three of his children from the home where the first shooting took place to the next home. “He forced them into the car and then brought them to West 79th and actually executed them there,” Bordelon said, according to People.
Elkins allegedly admitted that something bad might happen.
Weeks before killing his children, Elkins reportedly told his family that he was going through a tough time. On Easter Sunday, April 6, 2026, he called his mother and stepfather crying, telling them he wanted to take his own life, they told the New York Times. His children could be heard laughing in the background.
Elkins told Marcus Jackson, his stepfather, that his wife wanted a divorce and he was having “dark thoughts.” When Jackson told him he could “beat it,” he allegedly gave an ominous response. “Some people don’t come back from their demons,” he apparently said.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
