Gun used to kill 8 children was stolen from truck, Louisiana man tells investigators
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Charles Ford, who previously owned the assault-style gun used in the Louisiana shooting that killed eight children, told investigators he suspects Shamar Elkins stole the weapon from his truck weeks before the incident.
- Ford faces federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to agents, as he initially denied having the gun after the shooting.
- Shamar Elkins, the father of seven of the children killed, died following a police pursuit, with uncertainty over whether his death was caused by officers or self-inflicted.
- Elkins had a prior felony conviction for illegal use of weapons and was prohibited by law from possessing firearms, though officials have not confirmed if he was legally barred from having the gun used in the rampage.
- The shooting is among the deadliest recent mass shootings in the U.S., highlighting ongoing debates about gun control laws in Louisiana, where efforts to pass stricter regulations have been blocked by Republicans.
