Gun Used by Shamar Elkins Leads to Louisiana Man’s Arrest

A 56-year-old man from Shreveport has been arrested and charged in connection with the horrific mass shooting orchestrated by Shamar Elkins. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, Charles Ford was the previous owner of the assault-style weapon that Elkins utilized to shoot his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and his alleged girlfriend, Christina Snow, on Sunday. Both women are currently hospitalized, fighting for their lives. Tragically, Shamar also killed his seven children along with Pugh’s nephew before dying during a police pursuit.

RELATED: Louisiana Mom’s Condition Revealed After Alleged Boyfriend Shamar Elkins Shot Her And Killed Their 3 Children (UPDATE)

Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding Charles Ford’s Gun Theft Allegations

Charles Ford informed investigators that he suspected Shamar Elkins had stolen the firearm from his truck in the weeks leading up to this tragic mass shooting. A criminal complaint filed in federal court indicates that Ford had suspicions about Elkins because he was among the few individuals who rode with him. Ford allegedly stated that he noticed the gun missing around March 9, raising serious concerns about its whereabouts.

Taking matters into his own hands, Ford confronted Elkins regarding the stolen weapon. However, when Elkins became “offensive,” Ford chose to let the matter slide, as detailed in a court affidavit submitted on Tuesday. This incident emphasizes the critical importance of firearm safety and accountability in our communities.

“According to allegations set forth in court documents, the ATF and the Shreveport Police Department initiated an investigation into the firearms trace on the rifle used by Elkins to commit this mass shooting,” stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana.

What Led to the Charges Against Charles Ford After the Louisiana Mass Shooting?

Charles Ford faces charges as a felon found in possession of a firearm and for making false statements to federal agents, according to the affidavit. Initially, Ford denied having the weapon when investigators approached him following the tragic shooting event on Sunday, as detailed in court records.

“When law enforcement interviewed the original purchaser, she identified Ford as the individual to whom she had given it. Ford, a convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. He initially lied to ATF agents about having the firearm, claiming he never possessed it. Later, Ford admitted that he did have the firearm, asserting that he kept it underneath his seat,” reported the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana.

At this time, Ford has not appointed a legal representative, and based on federal court documents, he is likely to receive a federal public defender. The implications of his charges highlight the severe consequences of illegal firearm possession.

“Shamar Elkins’ death means that our community will never see him face justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our hope, as we continue to investigate and prosecute this case alongside our law enforcement partners, is that holding accountable the person whose gun Elkins used to commit this crime will provide some small comfort to our Shreveport community.”

What Actions Did Shamar Elkins Take After the Family Shooting Incident?

Following the horrific family shooting, Shamar Elkins fled from the second crime scene—reportedly at his wife’s residence—and engaged in a police chase. It remains unclear whether officers fatally shot him or if he succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by police. The third crime scene involved a carjacking in the same neighborhood, further complicating the unfolding tragedy.

During the rampage, Elkins’ wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and Christina Snow, believed to be his girlfriend, were also shot and critically wounded. The shocking attack transpired across two residences before dawn, resulting in unimaginable devastation.

Three young boys, who were the sons of Christina and the nephew of Shaneiqua, tragically lost their lives. Furthermore, Pugh’s four daughters also perished. Elkins was the father of seven out of the eight children who lost their lives that fateful day. Reports indicate that Snow called the police to report that Elkins had shot her and abducted their three children. According to NBC News, he transported the children to his wife’s home just a few streets away, where he killed them along with their four sisters. Disturbingly, one child was found deceased on the home’s roof, while others attempted to escape through the back door. Some of the children were found in their sleep, and most suffered fatal headshot wounds. The ages of the children ranged from 3 to 11 years old.

Shamar Elkins had previously pleaded guilty in 2019 to a felony charge of illegal use of weapons, according to court documents. Consequently, a district judge in Caddo Parish sentenced Elkins to 18 months of supervised probation. Additionally, Elkins turned over his handgun to the police as part of his probation agreement, as indicated in court filings.

Under Louisiana law, individuals convicted of certain violent felonies, including illegal use of weapons, are prohibited from possessing a firearm for at least 10 years following the completion of their sentence and probation. Authorities have not clarified whether Elkins was legally barred from having a weapon at the time of the incident, raising serious concerns about gun control and public safety.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Fatal Shooting At Chick-fil-A In New Jersey Reportedly Leaves One Dead & Several Injured (VIDEO)

Associated Press reporters Sara Cline and Jack Brook contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.