In brief
In the wake of the horrific incident that took the lives of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana, new court documents reveal that Charles Ford, the owner of the assault-style firearm, believes that Shamar Elkins, the father of seven of the victims, had stolen it prior to the shootings. Ford is now facing federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to investigators. This tragic event has left the community grappling with a profound sense of loss and calls for accountability.
A man who previously owned the assault-style gun believed to have been used to kill eight children in Louisiana has indicated to investigators that he suspects Shamar Elkins stole it from his vehicle weeks before the rampage. This shocking revelation comes from court documents released on Tuesday, which detail a criminal complaint filed in Louisiana federal court.
Charles Ford informed investigators that he believed Elkins—who is the father of seven of the tragically slain children—might have taken the weapon after a ride-along where Elkins was one of the few accompanying him. He discovered around March 9 that his gun was missing and subsequently confronted Elkins about its whereabouts. However, Ford noted that Elkins became aggressive during the discussion, leading him to drop the subject.
This affidavit has been filed in connection to federal charges against Ford, accusing him of being a felon in possession of a firearm and of providing false information to federal agents during their initial inquiries following the shooting.
“Elkins’ death means that our community will never see him face justice,” U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller stated. “Our hope is that holding the person whose gun Elkins used to perpetrate the crime accountable will provide some small measure of solace to our community.”
As of now, Ford does not have an appointed legal representative, but a public defender is anticipated to be assigned. Efforts to contact family members of Ford for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
In a tragic turn of events, Elkins met his end following a police pursuit after the shootings, with details remaining unclear on whether he was shot by officers or succumbed to a self-inflicted injury. Alongside him, his wife and another woman sustained injuries during the chaotic episode, which transpired across two residences in the early morning hours. The children who lost their lives ranged between the ages of 3 and 11 years.
