Man kills seven of his children, and an eighth child, in Louisiana mass shooting
Local police say the children – aged between one and 14 – were killed in a "domestic disturbance"
A father has killed seven of his children and an unrelated child in a mass shooting in Louisiana, which police have described as a "domestic disturbance".
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The suspect, who has been identified as Shamar Elkins, allegedly began the shooting at about 5:00am (10:00 GMT) on Sunday.
In total, 10 people were shot, some of them relatives of the suspect, according to Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith.
Two adult women, including the mother of the children, are in critical condition.
The gunman was later shot dead by police after allegedly stealing a car and leading officers on a pursuit as he fled the scene.
Mr Smith said the crime scene stretched across three locations, adding: “This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen.”
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The suspect shot a woman on the street before going to a nearby residence where he killed the eight children, "one of whom was not a kin to him", according to police.
One of the victims ran to a nearby home and called authorities, police said. They said the gunman acted alone.
A ninth child jumped from the roof and was in hospital.
In a statement, state police said no officers were injured during the shooting.
At a news conference outside a home where one of the shootings occurred, officials requested patience and prayers from the community.
Mr Smith added: "I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback...I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur."
The city's mayor, Tom Arceneaux, said: "This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had.
"It's a terrible morning."