A father of seven who had recently attended Easter Sunday church services with all of his children fatally shot each of them in their beds two weeks later, then died in a police shootout, authorities said.
Shamar Elkins, 31, a U.S. Army veteran, drove to the home of his children’s mother, Christina, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and shot her point-blank in the face when she opened the door, according to Shreveport Police. He then drove to the residence of his estranged wife, Shaneiqua Elkins, where his seven children were sleeping.
Police said Elkins went room to room, shooting each child execution-style in the head. The victims ranged in age from 3 to 12. Their mother, Shaneiqua, was shot multiple times in the head and stomach and remains hospitalized with a bullet lodged in her face. Christina is also hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Two cousins who were staying with the family were also shot. A 12-year-old cousin survived after jumping from a roof, suffering multiple broken bones. A second cousin’s condition was not immediately available.
Police were called after neighbors reported gunfire and screaming. When officers arrived, Elkins carjacked a vehicle and fled, sparking a chase that ended in a shootout. Elkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined whether he was killed by police officers or died by suicide.
Easter photo, mental health struggles
Just two weeks before the killings — on Easter Sunday, April 5 — Elkins attended church with all seven of his children for the first time. He posted a photo of the group on Facebook with the caption: “Had a wonderful time at church for the first time with all my kids what a blessed day.”
Relatives told local media that Elkins had struggled with mental health issues for years. On the morning of Easter, he called his mother and stepfather and confessed to having “dark thoughts,” including suicidal ideation following his wife’s divorce filing.
“Some people don’t come back from their demons,” Elkins told his stepfather, according to family members.
Four days before the shooting, Elkins posted what would become his final public prayer on Facebook, writing in part: “When depression tries to settle in, when anger rises, when anxiety or panic comes, give me the awareness that it’s not from You and the strength to reject it.”
Family members said Elkins had previously sought help at a mental health facility and had turned to religion when treatment proved insufficient. His stepfather recalled trying to encourage him, saying he could overcome his struggles.
“He seemed like a devoted dad,” one coworker told reporters. “But at work, he always appeared stressed.”
The couple was scheduled to appear in court Monday, April 20, for the start of divorce proceedings.
Funeral arrangements for the seven children have not yet been announced. The surviving 12-year-old remains hospitalized in stable condition. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
