A Louisiana father murdered eight children—seven of his own and one cousin—in a domestic violence massacre that has devastated Shreveport. The shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, died after police opened fire during a chase that ended with him carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint.Mass Shooting Claims Eight Young LivesThe victims ranged from just 3 to 11 years old, according to the Shreveport coroner’s office. Police responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday at a residence where all eight children were shot. Ten people total were struck by bullets. Two adult women suffered serious gunshot wounds, and a teenager sustained non-life-threatening injuries. One victim managed to escape to a neighboring home and call authorities. Domestic Violence Turns DeadlyA family member told reporters the two wounded women were mothers of Elkins’ children. The couple had been arguing about their separation and were scheduled to appear in court Monday. Elkins first shot one woman before going to the nearby residence where the eight children were killed. The suspect fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint, and led police on a chase into neighboring Bossier Parish, where officers fatally shot him.Community Reels From TragedyShreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said he couldn’t imagine how such an event could occur. Louisiana officials confirmed multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating. Shreveport Councilman Grayson Boucher revealed that over 30 percent of the city’s murders involve domestic violence. This single incident more than doubled Shreveport’s homicide count. Mayor Tom Arceneaux called it possibly the worst tragedy the city has ever experienced.Leaders Respond to HeartbreakGovernor Jeff Landry said he and his wife Sharon are heartbroken and praying for everyone affected. Senator Bill Cassidy expressed sympathy for the Shreveport community and wished survivors a swift recovery. House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose district includes Shreveport, called it a heartbreaking tragedy. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 mass shooting, released a statement expressing outrage that children face such violence. Louisiana State Police are investigating the circumstances of the suspect’s death since it involved officer-involved gunfire.SourcesCBS News: 8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, as father targets his family, police say