A man who previously owned the assault-style gun used to kill eight children in Louisiana informed investigators he suspects that Shamar Elkins stole it from his truck before the shooting rampage that unfolded in a Shreveport neighborhood.
According to court documents released Tuesday, Charles Ford stated he believed Elkins, who was the father of seven of the children killed, was involved since he was one of the few individuals to ride with him. Ford noted that he noticed the gun was missing around March 9.
Ford confronted Elkins regarding the missing firearm; however, the confrontation escalated when Elkins reacted aggressively, leading Ford to drop the issue.
This allegation is part of the federal charges against Ford, who is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm and providing false statements to federal authorities. Initially, he denied having the gun when approached by the police following the shooting.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller stated, “Elkins’ death means our community will never see him face justice. Our hope is that by holding the person responsible for the gun used in this crime accountable, we can offer some solace to our grieving Shreveport community.”
Ford, currently without a legal representative, is expected to receive assistance from a federal public defender as formal proceedings unfold.
Elkins died during a police chase, and the circumstances of his death remain unclear—whether he was shot by officers or inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot. Tragically, during the massacre, Elkins’ wife and another woman sustained injuries.
Officials reported the children, aged between 3 and 11, were victims of the senseless crime, with three boys and five girls losing their lives.
