Foundation covering funeral costs for 8 children killed in Louisiana mass shooting

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA/Gray News) - Authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly shooting where eight children lost their lives Sunday morning.

Seven siblings and a cousin were victims of a reported domestic situation that turned deadly. Three boys and five girls, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old, were identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry traveled to Shreveport this week to address the shooting.

In his remarks, Landry announced plans for First Lady Sharon Landry’s foundation, Love One Louisiana, to pay for the funeral expenses of all victims of the shooting.

Also present was Kristi Gustavson, CEO of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, who announced the foundation’s opening of two separate funds:

• April 19th Survivor’s Fund
  • Meant to provide for the needs of survivors of the shooting
• April 19th Memorial Fund
  • Domestic violence prevention

Authorities said seven of the children killed were those of the suspected shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins.

Bossier City authorities said Elkins was shot and killed in a confrontation with police after leaving the scene of the initial shooting in Shreveport in a stolen car.

Two women and a ninth child were also injured in Sunday’s shooting.

Investigators said multiple families were directly affected, with Elkins’ motive remaining unclear at this time.