Eight teenagers shot dead in Cedar Grove area
The community has stepped up to show support for the shooting deaths of eight young boys in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood.
- A Shreveport man has been arrested on suspicion of providing the firearm used in the shooting.
- Charles Ford, 56, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements.
- This gun was used by Shamar Elkins to kill eight children on April 19th.
Federal authorities have arrested and charged a Louisiana man in connection with securing a firearm used in a mass murder that killed eight children over the weekend.
Firearm charges against a Shreveport man are related to the weapon Shamar Elkins used in the April 19 murder, which police characterized as domestic violence. Elkins later died during a confrontation with police, but it is not yet clear whether he committed suicide or was shot by officers.
Charles Ford, 56, has been charged with making false statements and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the gun Elkins used to kill eight children, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, April 21.
“There are no words for the acts committed by Shamar Elkins in Shreveport on April 19th. They are beyond comprehension and explanation,” U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller said in a statement. “Our law enforcement partners are investigating all aspects of how this tragedy occurred, and this case stems from that investigation, particularly how Elkins secured the firearms he used to execute his children.”
He went on to say that Elkins’ death “means our community will never see him served justice.”
“As we continue to investigate and prosecute this case with our law enforcement partners, it is our hope that holding the owner of the gun Elkins used in his crime accountable will bring some comfort to the Shreveport community,” Keller said.
Mr. Ford faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted of firearm possession and up to five years in prison for making false statements.
“Holding people accountable goes beyond the person who pulled the trigger and includes those who obtain and distribute firearms that are later used in violent crimes,” said Joshua Jackson, special agent in charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities said Ford lied to ATF agents during the initial investigation and said he did not have an assault pistol. The suspect later admitted to possessing an assault rifle and claimed to have kept it under the seat.
This information was discovered by law enforcement following traces of the firearm when they interviewed the original purchaser, who identified Ford as the person who gave him the firearm.
USA TODAY has reached out to an attorney representing Ford.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter for the Shreveport Times. Please contact us at mboucher@gannett.com.
