A 31-year-old Louisiana father is accused of killing seven of his children and their cousin in a shooting on Sunday morning that authorities say ranks among the deadliest mass shootings in the United States in more than two years.
According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, the victims ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old. The youngest, Jayla, was 3. The other children who died were Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; and Braylon Snow, 5.
Police said the suspect’s wife survived the attack but suffered serious injuries. Investigators said the man had recently told her he wanted a divorce and had been struggling with what they described as “dark thoughts.” Family members said they had become concerned about his mental state. Relative Marcus Jackson told local media that he tried to encourage him, recalling the suspect saying, “Some people don’t come back from their demons.”
Authorities also revealed that the suspect previously served in the Louisiana Army National Guard. An Army spokesperson said he worked as a signal support systems specialist and later as a fire support specialist. He left the Guard in 2020 with the rank of private and had never been deployed.
Court records show the suspect had at least two prior criminal convictions. Those records include weapons-related offenses and a 2016 arrest for driving under the influence.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the tragedy.
