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Shreveport Father Kills Eight Children After Mental Health Struggles

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Shreveport, Louisiana, Shamar Elkins, 31, fatally shot eight children, most of whom were his own.
Family members said Elkins had recently been hospitalized for mental health issues.
He underwent a mental health evaluation at the local Veterans Affairs hospital and stayed for about a week and a half before being released.
The information indicates a mental health history surrounding the incident.

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Story summary

In Shreveport, Louisiana, Shamar Elkins, 31, fatally shot eight children, most of whom were his own.
Family members said Elkins had recently been hospitalized for mental health issues.
He underwent a mental health evaluation at the local Veterans Affairs hospital and stayed for about a week and a half before being released.
The information indicates a mental health history surrounding the incident.