In brief
In the aftermath of a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, Charles Ford revealed that he believes Shamar Elkins stole the assault-style gun used in the incident from his truck prior to the tragedy. Elkins, the father of seven victims, died during a police pursuit, leading to ongoing investigations to hold responsible parties accountable. As the community grapples with the loss of eight children, who ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old, questions remain about firearm possession and safety.
A man who previously owned the assault-style gun used in the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana, has informed investigators that he suspects Shamar Elkins stole it from his vehicle weeks prior to the devastating incident. Court documents made public on Tuesday detail statements made by Charles Ford regarding the theft.
Ford reportedly became aware that the firearm was missing around March 9. He indicated that Elkins, who was the father of seven of the deceased children, was one of the few individuals who had been in his vehicle during that timeframe. After confronting Elkins about the missing weapon, Ford claimed that Elkins reacted defensively, prompting Ford to drop the matter.
The affidavit supporting federal charges against Ford accuses him of being a felon in possession of a firearm and providing false information to federal agents. Ford initially denied ownership of the weapon when questioned by officials following the shooting that occurred on Sunday.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller expressed concern over the implications of Elkins’ death, emphasizing that the community may never see justice served. Our hope, as we continue to investigate and prosecute this case alongside our law enforcement partners, is that holding the person whose gun Elkins used to perpetrate the crime accountable will give some small bit of solace to our Shreveport community, Keller stated.
Ford is expected to be assigned a federal public defender as he currently lacks legal representation, according to federal court records. The situation remains fluid as local authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Elkins’ death, which occurred after a police pursuit, the details of which remain unclear—whether he was killed by the police or died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning, leaving the Shreveport community mourning the loss of eight children—three boys and five girls—ages ranging from just 3 to 11 years old. Alongside them, Elkins’ wife and another woman also sustained injuries during the shooting, which reportedly spanned two houses.
As the investigation progresses, families and community members reflect on the urgent need for discussions about gun safety and the dramatic impact of violence on communities.
