In a poignant ceremony held Saturday, faith leaders and political figures gathered to honor the memory of eight children tragically lost in last month’s mass shooting in Louisiana. The community came together to mourn the young lives taken too soon in the April 19 incident in Shreveport, where seven siblings and their cousin were killed in a devastating attack perpetrated by the siblings’ father.
The funeral took place on the poignant occasion of Mother’s Day weekend at Summer Grove Baptist Church. Mourners slowly processed past eight white caskets, each adorned with large photographs of the children, gold crowns, and white floral arrangements. The service featured heartfelt performances from a choir and solo singers, filling the church with music and emotion.
Bishop Bernard Kimble of Mount Olive Baptist Church offered words of solace, remarking, “In spite of how you may be feeling today, we still need to know that God is still good,” as he opened the service.
The funeral program paid tribute to each of the young victims, aged 3 to 11, many of whom were lovingly remembered by their nicknames. Little Jayla Elkins, just three years old, was affectionately called “Jaybae,” while six-year-old Kayla Pugh was known as “K-Mae.” Mar’Kaydon Pugh, 10, was lovingly referred to as “K-Bug.”
Six-year-old Khedarrion Snow was described as having “a sweet and loving heart,” with a light that shone brightly during his brief time on earth. Similarly, Layla Pugh, age seven, was remembered for being “bright, intelligent, bold, and full of love,” with a passion for creating TikTok videos alongside her siblings and cousins.
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.”
