On April 21, 2026, federal authorities arrested 56-year-old Charles Ford from Shreveport, Louisiana, for his alleged role in a horrific mass shooting that occurred on April 19, where Army veteran Shamar Elkins killed his seven children and nephew. Ford faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement to federal agents regarding a weapon used in the crime. The weapon, identified as a Mossberg pistol, was traced back to Ford after interviews with the original purchaser.
Ford, who has a criminal history that includes felony convictions for robbery and domestic abuse, allegedly lied about the ownership of the firearm when questioned by the ATF. Authorities revealed that he later admitted to possession of the weapon, which he kept hidden under the seat of his truck. The situation escalated when he suspected that Elkins had stolen the firearm, following the discovery of the children’s tragic deaths and the subsequent shooting of Elkins’ wife and girlfriend.
Elkins, who had a history of mental health issues, reportedly shot himself as police closed in on him during the incident. He had disclosed suicidal thoughts to his family prior to the violence, setting a dire context for the horrific events that unfolded at his residence.
In light of the shocking nature of this mass shooting, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller emphasized that holding Ford accountable could provide some solace to the grieving Shreveport community. Ford's arraignment indicates he could face significant prison time if convicted, with potential sentences reaching up to 20 years for the combined charges of possession and making false statements.