"The gunman, Shamar Elkins, 31, had mental health problems and had recently expressed suicidal thoughts, family members said in interviews. The children ranged in age from 3 to 11, officials said, and seven of the eight were Mr. Elkins's. He shot them execution style, according to a spokesman for the Shreveport Police Department."
"Earlier this month, on Easter Sunday, he called his mother, Mahelia Elkins, and his stepfather, Marcus Jackson. Ms. Elkins and Mr. Jackson said in interviews that their son sounded despondent. They said they could hear his children playing in the background during the call."
"There has to be a national policy-or a general societal consensus-that it is contrary to national interest that someone in such obvious mental disorder could get his hands on a firearm as easily as he did."
Shamar Elkins, 31, shot eight children, seven of whom were his, in Louisiana. Family members reported his mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts. The children, aged 3 to 11, were shot execution style. Relatives described Elkins as despondent and stressed about his marriage. He expressed a desire to end his life during a call with family. The incident raises concerns about firearm access for individuals with mental health issues, highlighting the need for national policy changes regarding gun control.
Read at Esquire
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