A 31-year-old man from Louisiana, later recognized as Shamar Elkins, reportedly murdered his seven biological children and another child throughout the early morning hours of Sunday. Forward of the tragedy, Elkins shared a collection of posts on his Fb account, referencing his battle with despair.
Elkins’ kids, with ages starting from 1 to 14 years previous, weren’t his solely victims. He additionally shot two ladies within the head throughout his rampage, and one in all them is preventing for her life at a hospital close to Shreveport.
Who’s Shamar Elkins?
Elkins reportedly labored within the Military for a number of years earlier than finishing his service in 2019. Whereas he was stationed elsewhere, his spouse shared a photograph of Elkins sporting his US Military uniform, which confirms his deployment.
A Troubled Historical past With the Legislation
Shortly after returning residence, Elkins had a run-in with the legislation. He was arrested on a cost of unlawful use of weapons and carrying a firearm on faculty property. Experiences revealed that Elkins was simply 300 ft away from a college in Shreveport when he fired 5 rounds at a dashing car.
No casualties have been reported, however Elkins might have simply endangered the lives of the scholars and academics who have been at school on the time. Months later, he pleaded responsible to the unlawful weapons cost and was positioned on an 18-month probation. The firearm cost was later dismissed.
A Shut Bond With His Kids
Shamar Elkins/Fb
Whereas it’s troublesome to know the way Elkins actually was along with his kids, a number of of his social media posts confirmed him spending time with them. Simply at some point earlier than the tragedy, Elkins shared a photograph of his eldest baby throughout their one-on-one date.
The unsuspecting baby appeared completely happy whereas having fun with his burger.
Elkins had been publicly documenting his relationship along with his kids on social media within the weeks main as much as the tragedy. Posts confirmed him attending occasions with them and sharing moments from day by day life, presenting a picture that stood in stark distinction to the violence that adopted.
Battle With Despair
Shamar Elkins/Fb
Elkins has all the time been open about his battles with depression. On April 9, he posted a prayer in search of God’s assist to protect his thoughts and feelings. ‘When despair tries to settle in, when anger arises, when anxiousness or panic comes, give me the attention to recognise what is just not from you…’ the prayer reads.
Potential Marital Troubles
Shamar Elkins/Fb
Experiences counsel that Elkins had been having points with the mom of his kids. One of many people who he reportedly shot was his kids’s mom, who’s in a vital situation, together with the second girl that he shot.
In March, Elkins posted a cryptic query on his Fb account. ‘Dads, should you might return in time and have children with a special girl however nonetheless have the identical children, would you do it?’ he wrote.
Elkins was fatally shot by police following a pursuit into Bossier Parish. The motive for the killings has not been confirmed by authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with Louisiana State Police main the probe into the officer-involved taking pictures.
