One day before Mother’s Day, eight children who died in a shooting were buried in Louisiana. Faith leaders and politicians paid their respects at the funeral on Saturday (May 9), which took place almost 20 days after the funeral. Shamar Elkins shot them on April 19, along with his estranged wife, Shaneiqua Pughand his alleged girlfriend, Christina Snow. Heartbreaking photos of the funeral service are now going viral. The seven children who died were Pugh and Snow’s children, but also their siblings. The other child is reportedly Pugh’s niece.
RELATED: Police Release Details About Louisiana Man Who Shot Wife, 7 Children, Another Woman and Child (UPDATE)
What Happened to the Children?
Shamar Elkins used an assault weapon in the attack, despite being convicted of a firearms charge in 2019. His wife, Shaneiqua, wanted a divorce. He and Christina were injured in a shooting that occurred at two homes in the Shreveport, Louisiana area. Information from officials last month revealed that 8 children had gunshot wounds inside Shaneiqua’s home. Elkins is said to have kidnapped his three sons from Christina’s house, and took them to his wife’s two streets, where his four daughters were.
He then shot and killed all seven of his children and his wife’s nephew. Many children are said to have died in their sleep, some tried to get out through the back door and another was found dead on the roof. It is reported that another child escaped the gunfire by jumping from the roof, and was injured.
Elkins died after fleeing and being chased by police. It is not clear whether he was killed by police officers or if he shot himself, according to police. The investigation is ongoing. The incident is the worst mass shooting in the US in more than two years.
Funeral Service Honors 8 Children Who Died
The children who died were: 11 years old Sariah Snow6 years old Khedarrion Snow and 5 years Braylon Snow, 7 years old Layla Pugh, A 6-year-old child Kayla Pugh, A 5-year-old child Call Elkins once A 3-year-old child Jayla Elkins and a 10-year-old nephew, Mar’Kaydon Pugh.
As mentioned, the funeral service took place over Mother’s Day weekend at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Louisiana. It began with a long procession of mourners slowly passing by eight white coffins with large pictures of children next to them.
Gold crowns and white flowers were placed on top of the closed caskets. The choir behind the altar and individual singers sing throughout the service.
“Despite how you may feel today, we still need to know that God is still good,” said Bishop Bernard Kimble, senior pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, in his opening remarks.
The funeral pamphlet contained words to write to each child. Some of them had affectionate nicknames. Jayla Elkins was called “Jaybae.” Kayla Pugh was “K-Mae” and Mar’Kaydon Pugh was “K-Bug.” And, the pamphlet said, Khedarrion Snow had it “a sweet and loving heart,” again “Although his life was short on earth, his light was strong.” Layla Pugh was like that “bright, smart, brave and full of love” and enjoys making TikTok videos with her siblings and cousins.
Louisiana Officials Attend and Speak at Joint Funeral
During the service, other speakers included Shreveport Councilor Tabatha Taylor. Taylor agreed to that “No words are enough to ease this pain.” In addition, Councilor James Green encouraged the audience to come together “remove our funeral faces” because “this is a celebration” of children’s lives. Also, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed the city’s sadness.
“May we honor them by perpetuating the gentleness, joy and love they so freely share,” said Arceneaux.
Among those present was former US Attorney Gabby Giffords, whose political career was cut short by a 2011 assassination attempt.
After that there were buses to transport those who were going to be buried in the cemetery. At the end of the church service, Bishop Kimble prayed for healing to begin.
“Help us as we leave this place,” he said. “Because we know, O God, sorrow is a temporary thing. And if we will lay our hands on your harvest, you will lead us through this.”
During the funeral, Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana has ordered US and state flags to be flown at half-staff at the Capitol and state government buildings next week. The message read from Landry said the victims “It was the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms.
The message continued, “They were full of promise and found joy in simple things like dancing, playing outside and sharing laughter with family and friends. Their future was bright and had great promise.” He adds, “It is our duty to honor the memory of those lost by standing together against such senseless violence.”
RELATED: Louisiana Officials Release Photo of Gun and Arrest of Man Linked to Shamar Elkins’ Weapon Used to Kill 8 Children
Associated Press writer John Raby contributed to this report for AP Newsroom.
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