8 children killed in Louisiana mass shooting remembered at funeral

Faith leaders and politicians paid tribute at a funeral Saturday to eight children who were killed in a mass shooting last month in Louisiana.

The victims of the April 19 shooting in Shreveport included seven siblings who were shot by their father in an attack that also killed their cousin.

The service on Mother’s Day weekend at Summer Grove Baptist Church began with a long procession of mourners slowly filing past eight white caskets with large photos of the children next to them. Gold crowns and bouquets of white flowers were placed on top of the closed caskets. A choir behind the altar and individual singers performed throughout the service.

“In spite of how you may be feeling today, we still need to know that God is still good,” Bishop Bernard Kimble, senior pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, said in opening remarks.

The funeral's pamphlet contained tributes to each of the children, who ranged in age from 3 to 11. Some of them had affectionate nicknames: 3-year-old Jayla Elkins was called “Jaybae”; Kayla Pugh, 6, was “K-Mae”; and Mar’Kaydon Pugh, 10, was “K-Bug.”

Six-year-old Khedarrion Snow had “a sweet and loving heart,” and “though his life on earth was short, his light was mighty,” according to the pamphlet. Layla Pugh, 7, was “bright, intelligent, bold, and full of love” and enjoyed making TikTok videos with her siblings and cousins.

Pastor and gospel singer Kim Burrell reminded family and community members trying to make sense of the shootings that “God is still on the throne.”

“To ask the question, 'Why is this fair, God? How could you, Lord?' He’s still God,” Burrell said. “The same God that healed you from the stuff that you don’t want to tell nobody about. But he is a God that doesn’t have to give us all the clues. Just know that he makes no mistakes.”

The children’s father, Shamar Elkins, used an assault-style weapon despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction. His wife, who was seeking a divorce, and another woman were wounded in the shooting that stretched across two houses in a Shreveport neighborhood.

Elkins died after fleeing and a police pursuit. It was not clear whether he was killed by officers who fired or from a self-inflicted gunshot, according to police.

An investigation remains ongoing into the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years.

During the service, other speakers included Shreveport Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who acknowledged that “there are no words sufficient to ease this pain,” while Councilman James Green implored audience members to collectively “take off our funeral face” because “this is a celebration” of the children's lives.

Indeed, churchgoers often stood clapping their hands in response to singers and speakers. The children's names were read or shown several times throughout the service, where Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed the city's condolences.

“May we honor them by carrying forward the gentleness, joy and love they so freely shared,” Arceneaux said.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff over the next week at the Capitol and state government buildings. A message read from Landry said the victims “were the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms. They were full of promise and found joy in the simplest things, such as dancing, playing outside and sharing laughter with family and friends. Their futures were bright and held great promise.”

“It is incumbent upon us to honor the memory of those lost by standing together against such senseless violence.”

Among those in attendance was former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, whose political career was cut short by a 2011 assassination attempt.

“She just wanted to come and just let the family know that this pain is not just in Louisiana,” said U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Louisiana. “This pain is all across the nation.”

Buses were made available afterward to transport mourners to a graveside burial. At the conclusion of the church service, Kimble prayed for healing to begin.

“Help us as we move from this spot,” he said. “Because we know, oh God, grief is only temporary. And if we'll put our hands in your favor, you'll lead us through this.”

Roses are placed on caskets during the burial of the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Forest Park Cemetery West in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The caskets of the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, arrive for burial Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Forest Park Cemetery West in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Caissons carry the caskets of eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Forest Park Cemetery West in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Mourners walk by caskets for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, during funeral services for the children Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

People listen during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., center, stands during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Caskets for the eight children killed during a mass shooting last month are seen during funeral services for the children Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux speaks during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photos of Kayla Pugh are displayed during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux speaks during funeral services for the eight children who were killed during a mass shooting last month, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Notable reaction to the death of former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox:

“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper. Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform. He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched.” — The Atlanta Braves

“I never wanted to go anywhere else; I wanted to play for Bobby.” — Hall of Fame pitcher and current Fox analyst John Smoltz

“I remember ’99 when we lost the World Series to the Yankees. I mean, to a man, everybody in the room felt like we let Bobby down. That’s how we felt. And that’s powerful, you know, and that doesn’t just happen in professional sports. But that just goes to show how guys felt about Bobby. We, to a man, we felt like we let him down.” — Braves manager Walt Weiss

“My favorite memory of Bobby is 2017 spring training. Charlie was 6 months old. … To see Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, the joy on his face when he saw my 6-month-old son, that’s stuff I will never forget. Him and Pam just, like, loving on Charlie while he was in the stroller, those are the fond memories I have.” — Former Braves and current Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman

“Skip — thank you for helping shape me as a coach and as an MLB manager. Your guidance and belief in me will always mean a lot. Thank you for the time You took in helping me make my transition from player to coach. And I ended up loving cigars after all (smiley face emoji). Much respect always.” — Ozzie Guillen, who played two seasons with Atlanta and won a World Series title managing the White Sox in 2005, on X

“Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history. As manager of the Braves, his clubs became an October fixture, representing consistency, professionalism, and championship-caliber baseball for an entire generation of fans. Through his leadership, eye for talent, and commitment to player development, Bobby helped shape the careers of numerous Hall of Famers and guided the Braves to Atlanta’s first major professional sports championship in 1995.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, the Braves organization, the many players and coaches whose lives he impacted throughout his 29-year managerial career, and Braves fans everywhere.” — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

“We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Blue Jays Manager Bobby Cox. Before tonight’s game, we held a moment of silence to remember one of the game’s greats. Bobby managed us to our first division title in 1985, also winning Manager of the Year that year. Our thoughts are with his family and the Braves organization.” — The Toronto Blue Jays on X

“The Yankees join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Bobby Cox. We offer our deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and loved ones.” — The New York Yankees on X

“Over 29 seasons as a big league manager, Bobby Cox earned loyalty and respect from his players with his steady hand and passionate heart.” — National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

“Thank you for everything you meant to Atlanta, Skip.” — The Atlanta Falcons on X

“Atlanta has lost a true icon in Bobby Cox. His leadership helped define one of the most successful eras not only for the Atlanta Braves, but for the city's sports identity. Known for guiding the club through a historic run that included a World Series title and sustained excellence, his influence will be felt for generations. Our thoughts are with his family and with the entire baseball community as we remember a figure who meant so much to the City of Atlanta.” — Atlanta United FC on X

“Georgia and Braves Country have lost a true legend today with the passing of Bobby Cox. Shepherding the Braves for over 20 years, he led the franchise to 14 straight division crowns and a World Series title during his second stint, solidifying him in the hearts of generations of fans as the beloved manager we will all remember.” — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on X

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

FILE - Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, left, looks on with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, before a spring training baseball game against the Florida Marlins on March 23, 2011 in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

FILE - Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox signs autographs for fans prior to the start of the spring training game with the New York Mets on March 27, 2003 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Tony Ranze, File)

FILE - Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox smiles while smoking a cigar in the dugout with his coaching staff before the start of workouts Feb. 22, 2004, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette, File)

FILE - Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox is honored during a ceremony before a baseball game between the Braves and the San Diego Padres in Atlanta, April 14, 2017. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)