Christina Snow is hospitalized in Louisiana with a bullet lodged in her face after a gunman opened fire on her family early Sunday in Shreveport. Snow lost three of her children in the attack and is among the survivors receiving medical care.
The shooting left eight children dead, making it the deadliest mass killing in the United States in two years. Police say 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, a former national guardsman, carried out what they described as a "violent domestic incident" before being fatally shot by responding officers.
Jamarckus Snow, Christina's cousin, said the bullet entered through her nose and remains embedded in her facial tissue. Doctors have opted against surgery to remove it, fearing the procedure could cause additional harm. He told NBC News that Christina can speak but is experiencing memory problems.
Among the eight children killed were Christina's two sons, Khedarrion and Braylon Snow, ages six and five. The coroner's office also identified Sariahh Snow, 11, as a victim. Five other children died in the shooting, including four belonging to Shaneiqua Pugh, Elkins' wife, who was also shot and hospitalized in critical condition.
"All she worked for was her kids and all she talked about was her kids," Jamarckus told the network about his cousin. "It's devastating."
Authorities have revealed that Elkins had been arrested in 2019 on firearms charges. Family members say he had struggled with mental health issues and recently expressed thoughts of suicide. He and Pugh had been in conflict over their separation and were scheduled to appear in court Monday.
The investigation expanded this week when federal authorities arrested a man in Louisiana in connection with the firearm used in the shooting. The suspect faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents. Court documents indicate he initially denied having the weapon but later acknowledged possessing it and admitted believing that Elkins had taken the gun from him.
Author James Rodriguez: "A bullet lodged in her face and three children gone. Christina Snow's survival is remarkable, but the real measure now is whether she can ever truly recover from what she lost."
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