Sunday’s tragedy unrelated to shooter's legal history

Yesterday’s mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of eight children remains an active investigation. Information developed thus far indicates this was a domestic violence-related event involving significant mental health factors, including reported PTSD.

Shamar Elkins’ 2019 Caddo Parish conviction for Illegal Use of a Weapon arose from a confrontation with another man, in which self-defense claims could not be disproven. The incident occurred near a school due to the location of Mr. Elkins’ residence. The court determined the sentence, and there have been no reported interactions with law enforcement or the courts since that time.

Mr. Elkins’ only other conviction is a misdemeanor 2015 DWI conviction. 

It is unacceptable to politicize this tragedy, which continues to impact the entire community. Instead, we are called upon to pledge serious, collective commitment to addressing domestic violence and mental health in our community.

For more information, please contact the Caddo DA Special Victims Unit at (318) 226-6200.