Mother’s heartbreaking words about her children following Shreveport shooting
In the wake of the devastating tragedy in Shreveport, one haunting detail continues to grip those following the story.
It’s not only the unimaginable violence — but what loved ones say is happening to one of the surviving mothers as she fights to recover.
A morning that changed everything
What began as an ordinary Sunday in Shreveport quickly turned into one of the most horrific incidents the city has ever seen. Authorities say eight children were killed in a domestic violence attack that unfolded across multiple locations.
The victims — ranging in age from just three to 1 — were siblings and a cousin, their lives cut tragically short.
The children were later identified as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; and Braylon Snow, 5.
One teenage boy survived by jumping from a roof, suffering broken bones.
Two women also survived with severe injuries, including one mother who was shot in the face and is now recovering in the hospital.
As the investigation continues, no clear motive has been confirmed.
A mother’s unimaginable reality
According to the Shreveport Police Department, both women injured in the mass shooting on Sunday, April 19, are expected to survive.
They remain in hospital after being shot during the incident.
For one of the surviving mother’s, Christina Snow, the pain didn’t end when the violence stopped.
Relatives say she is now facing not only physical recovery but a devastating psychological battle.
With a bullet reportedly still lodged in her face, she has ongoing memory issues, her cousin Jamarckus Snow cousin told NBC News on April 21.
”Doctors say they didn’t want to do surgery and risk it,” he told the outlet.
According to Jamarckus, Christina’s memory comes and goes, trapping her in a cruel cycle between reality and denial.
”All she worked for was her kids and all she talked about was her kids,” he said.
”It’s devastating.”
At times, she understands the truth, that her children are gone.
But other moments are even more heartbreaking.
”One day, she’ll remember they’re dead. I heard yesterday she woke up and was like, ‘I got to get my kids ready for school.’ She’ll lose memory of what happened,” he explained.
”One day, she’ll know, and the next day, she’s thinking her kids is still there.”
Christina was one of two women who survived the shooting. The other was the gunman’s wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, who underwent surgery for her injuries, according to the Associated Press.
The man at the center
Those who knew the suspect, Shamar Elkins, say the tragedy feels impossible to reconcile with the man they thought they knew.
He was described as quiet, reserved — often keeping to himself at gatherings. Yet he was also seen as a present father, someone who spent time with his children.
”I can’t say that he didn’t love his kids because he did. It was unexpected,” a relative shared.
While everything may have seemed normal on the surface, relatives now say there were warning signs behind closed doors in the days leading up to the mass shooting.
Around Easter, Elkins reportedly confided in his mother and stepfather that his marriage was falling apart — and that he felt consumed by “dark thoughts” and was struggling with suicidal feelings.
When they tried to reassure him, he replied with words that now feel chilling:
“Some people don’t come back from their demons.”
Days later, everything unraveled.
Perhaps the most unsettling detail is how normal everything seemed right up until the end. In Elkin’s final social media post, he joked about spending time with one of his children, sharing a lighthearted moment that looked like any other day.
There were no visible signs of what was to come, no warnings, no hints. Just an ordinary snapshot of a father and child. That contrast has left many shaken.
As the city tries to process the tragedy, leaders have spoken openly about its impact.
”It’s maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said.
After the shooting, Elkins reportedly stole a vehicle and later died following a police chase, according to authorities.
The investigation is still ongoing as officials continue to examine the incident, which is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute.
On Tuesday, federal prosecutors also confirmed the arrest of a 56-year-old man in connection with the firearm allegedly used by Elkins, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana said in a statement.
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