Eight children were killed early Sunday in a mass shooting that started as a domestic disturbance in Shreveport's Cedar Grove neighborhood, leaving the city stunned and grieving. The victims ranged from about 1 to 14 years old, and several others were wounded as police locked down multiple crime scenes. Officials called the early‑morning violence devastating and said investigators were still working to untangle the sequence of events.
Police: Domestic dispute, multiple scenes
Shreveport police said officers were first sent out just after 6 a.m., and that the shootings left eight children dead and a total of 10 people shot, with some of the children related to the suspected gunman, according to The Associated Press. Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon described an "extensive" crime scene. Officials said the gunman later died after officers shot him during a vehicle pursuit. Authorities have not released the suspect's name as detectives continue processing several locations.
Where it happened
Local reporting shows the violence unfolded across at least three locations in the Cedar Grove area, the 300 block of West 79th Street near Linwood Avenue, a block of Harrison Street, and a site in Bossier Parish on Brompton Lane, according to WBRZ. Neighbors described a chaotic scene as officers, medics and state investigators swarmed the neighborhood before sunrise. Officials are asking anyone with photos or video from the area to share them with detectives.
Pursuit ended in Bossier Parish
Police said the suspected shooter carjacked a vehicle after the initial burst of gunfire and led officers on a chase into Bossier City, where officers fired on and killed the man, according to NBC News. Investigators said they believe the suspect acted alone and that a motive is still unclear.
Survivors and injuries
Two adult women were among the survivors. One was reported to be in life‑threatening condition, and a young boy was injured when he jumped from a roof, local coverage shows. Investigators have withheld victims' names while notifying next of kin and urged the public not to fuel rumors or speculation, per KSLA.
Investigation and response
Louisiana State Police said its detectives were called in to assist Shreveport officers and that no officers were hurt in the incident, according to The Associated Press. Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Gov. Jeff Landry issued statements expressing sorrow as authorities continue to secure the scenes, collect evidence and try to explain how a domestic dispute escalated into one of the region's deadliest recent shootings.
