Louisiana, Apr 23:
A man in Louisiana told investigators that the assault-style weapon used in the killing of eight children was stolen from his truck in the weeks before the attack in a Shreveport neighbourhood, according to court documents released Tuesday. Charles Ford said he believes Shamar Elkins, the father of seven of the children killed, may have taken the gun, as he was one of the few people who had access to his vehicle. Ford reportedly noticed the gun missing around March 9 and later confronted Elkins. However, he said he did not pursue the matter further after Elkins became confrontational. Investigators say Ford initially denied possessing the weapon when questioned after the shooting, leading to federal charges against him for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements. Elkins died after a police pursuit following the rampage, which left eight children aged 3 to 11 dead and two women injured. The motive remains under investigation.