The Louisiana gunman who murdered eight youngsters earlier than he was killed was a 31-year-old Military vet who posted an image of himself with one in every of his daughters hours earlier than Sunday’s bloodbath.
Shamar Elkins unleashed his unthinkable carnage at three addresses in Shreveport shortly after 6 a.m. Central Time, authorities mentioned.
The slain victims ranged from 1 to 14, and there was audible gasping as a police rep learn out their ages at a press convention Sunday.
Elkins additionally shot two ladies within the head, with one described as in a life-threatening situation.
Elkins was subsequently chased by native police, who shot him useless as he drove into neighboring Bossier Metropolis.
On his Fb web page, Elkins shared an image of him along with his eldest daughter as she ate a burger Saturday, hours earlier than his rampage.
“Lol!!!! Took my oldest on a lil 1 on 1 date needed to catch her down unhealthy ugh ugh,” the killer wrote, together with a string of laughing emojis.
Two weeks in the past, Elkins shared an image of himself posing with seven youngsters as he described taking them to church for an Easter service.
“Blissful Easter had a beautiful time at church for the primary time with all my children what a blessed day,” he wrote within the Fb submit.
However Elkins additionally hinted at mental-health struggles in one other latest Fb submit, the place he known as for God to “guard” his thoughts.
“Pricey God, In the present day I ask You to assist me guard my thoughts and my feelings,” learn the submit dated April 9.
“When negativity arises, remind me to say, ‘It doesn’t belong to me, within the identify of Jesus,’ ” he mentioned.
“When melancholy tries to settle in, when anger rises, when nervousness or panic comes, give me the attention to acknowledge what is just not from You and the energy to reject it instantly within the identify of JESUS.”
The mass assassin’s spouse beforehand shared an image of Elkins in a US Military uniform in 2016, as she awaited his return from energetic service.
“Been ready for yu [sic] 5 extra days… And yu all mines. Rattling bby I gt to fatten yu up,” she wrote on the time.
The taking pictures is now being dealt with by Louisiana State Police because it crosses parish boundaries.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry mentioned he and first girl Sharon have been heartbroken over the occasions.
“We’re praying for everybody affected. We’re deeply grateful to the regulation enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Landry wrote on Fb.
US Home Speaker Mike Johnson, who was born in Shreveport, wrote on X, “Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 youngsters have been senselessly killed and a number of others have been injured.
“My crew is in contact with native regulation enforcement as extra particulars emerge,” he mentioned.
“We’re holding the victims, their households and family members, and our Shreveport group shut in our ideas and prayers throughout this extremely tough time. And we’re grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for his or her swift response,” Johnson added.
