Eight children aged from one to 14 have been killed after a gunman opened fire on ‘his descendants’ in Louisiana.
The suspected killer, who is believed to be related to some of the victims, was shot dead by police at around 6am on Sunday in Shreveport.
Police spokesperson Christopher Bordelon described the crime scene as ‘extensive,’ spanning three homes with one of the kids running to a neighbour to seek help.
He said: ‘The individual responsible once leaving this scene performed a carjacking right here in close proximity to the corner of West 79th and Lynnwood, at which point in time, Shreveport police patrol officers got behind that vehicle in a chase incident,’ Bordelon said.
‘We do believe him to be the only individual that fired gunshots at these locations here,’ Bordelon said.
Police chief Wayne Smith said a total of 10 people shot with the youngest being aged just one.
Mr Smith said the suspected killer was shot dead by police during a vehicle chase.
‘This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,’ he added.
‘I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback. I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.’
‘This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,’ said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents.
‘It’s a terrible morning.’
Louisiana State Police said their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate.
In a statement, state police said no officers were harmed in the shooting that followed a police pursuit into Bossier City.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with detectives.