Shamar Elkins

Eight of the victims – five girls and three boys between the ages of 3 and 14 – reportedly died from their injuries. According to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon, many of the children were shot in the head while they were sleeping.

“I just don’t know what to say. My heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told reporters, per NBC News. “I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur.”

As the investigation continues, more disturbing details have emerged. CNN reports that some children attempted to escape out the back door as the shooting unfolded, citing state Rep. Tammy Phelps. Police also confirmed that a 13-year-old boy tried to escape onto the roof, but was injured.

Louisiana shooting

Elkins was reportedly the father of seven of the children and the uncle of the eighth. Their identities were confirmed by their mothers, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. Two adult women – believed to be Elkins’ wife and girlfriend – were also shot in the face in separate homes, Bordelon said.

“This is a rather extensive crime scene spanning between two residences,” Bordelon said.

After the shootings, Elkins allegedly fled the scene before police pursued him. He was later fatally shot in what authorities described as a “chase incident.”

“We do believe him to be the only individual that fired gunshots at these locations,” Bordelon said.

A motive behind the attack has not yet been determined.