A horrifying new detail has emerged from the Louisiana mass shooting that left eight children dead — one child survived by making a desperate escape off the roof.
According to police, a 12-year-old girl managed to flee the home during the early morning rampage in Shreveport on Sunday, April 19. In a terrifying bid to save her life, she jumped from the roof of the house, suffering injuries and broken bones — but miraculously surviving.
Authorities initially reported that the survivor was a 13-year-old boy, but later clarified it was a young girl. Police also confirmed she was not related to the suspect.
The violence unfolded just before 6 a.m., when officers say Shamar Elkins carried out a deadly, domestic violence-related attack that claimed the lives of eight children between the ages of 3 and 11.
Seven of the victims were found inside the home, many of them in their beds. Another child was discovered near the roof, and investigators believe he was shot while trying to escape the same way the surviving girl did.
The children have been 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.
Police say the suspect, who was the father of seven of the victims, began the violence at a separate home on Harrison Street, where he shot a woman believed to be his girlfriend. He then went to a residence on West 79th Street, where the tragedy escalated even further.
Investigators say he brought children to that home and opened fire, killing multiple victims as they slept. His wife was also shot during the rampage.
After the shootings, authorities say Elkins fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, and led police on a chase before dying during the pursuit.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.