Charles Ford, 56, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been charged in connection with a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of seven children, all identified as his own. The incident, stemming from a domestic dispute, also left a mother and another woman injured.

Devastating Tragedy in Shreveport

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, as a mass shooting claimed the lives of seven children and left a mother and another woman injured. The incident, described by authorities as a domestic violence attack, involved a shooting at two separate homes.

Charges Filed Against Charles Ford

Charles Ford, 56, of Shreveport, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents, charges directly linked to a weapon used in the horrific event. The shooter, identified as Elkins, died during a subsequent police pursuit.

Victims Identified

The seven young victims, whose ages ranged from 3 to 11 years old, were tragically identified as Elkins’ own children. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Shreveport Police Department, revealed that the rifle used in the shooting was traced back to Ford.

Accountability for Firearm Access

Initially, Ford denied owning the firearm, but later confessed to keeping it under his car seat and believing Elkins had taken it. This admission led to the charges against him, highlighting the critical importance of accountability not only for those who commit violent acts but also for those who facilitate access to the weapons used.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasized that holding individuals accountable extends beyond the perpetrator and includes those who contribute to the proliferation of firearms used in violent crimes. ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson underscored this point, stating that accountability must encompass all parties involved in providing access to such weapons.

Potential Sentencing and Ongoing Investigation

Ford now faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison for the felon-in-possession charge and an additional five years for the false statement charge. United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller affirmed that investigators are diligently working to identify and hold accountable the individual who initially provided Elkins with access to the firearm.

Keller acknowledged the profound loss to the Shreveport community, stating that Elkins’ death prevents him from facing justice, and that pursuing accountability for the source of the weapon is a crucial step towards offering some measure of solace to those affected. The investigation is meticulously examining all facets of the tragedy, with a particular focus on how Elkins obtained the firearm used to commit this unspeakable act.

Elkins' Background

Further details revealed that Elkins had previously served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2013 to 2020, specializing as a signal support systems specialist and fire support specialist. The circumstances leading up to the shooting paint a picture of a deeply troubled individual grappling with personal turmoil.

Authorities indicated that Elkins was experiencing suicidal ideation as his wife reportedly sought a divorce. The couple had also been embroiled in accusations of infidelity and were facing significant financial difficulties, creating a volatile and stressful environment. The mother of the children is expected to recover, while another woman sustained life-threatening injuries.