Louisiana community in shock as domestic violence incident leaves eight children dead and two others injured.
Published On 19 Apr 2026
Eight children have been killed in a shooting spree in the southern US state of Louisiana, in what police said appears to have been an incident of domestic violence.
The gunman, who was not immediately identified, was fatally shot by police after a car chase early Sunday, officials said.
The incident occurred in Shreveport, northwestern Louisiana.
“This is a rather extensive crime scene spanning between two residences,” Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon told a press conference, adding that a third residence was also part of the scene being combed by investigators.
The victims ranged in age from one to 14, Bordelon said.
“Some of the children inside were his descendants,” he added.
Two other people were struck by gunfire, but their conditions were not immediately known.
Officials said they were still gathering details about the crime scene, which extended across three locations. Police Chief Wayne Smith said the suspected shooter was fatally shot by police during a vehicle chase.
“This is an extensive scene, unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Smith added.
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
