SHREVEPORT, LA ‒ Mourners gathered to pay their respects during a mass funeral service for the eight children killed in April by a gunman in a shooting that hasunleashed a wave of griefacross the city.
According to authorities, a man killed two women and then seven of his own children, along with one of their cousins. He died following a police chase. Shreveport is in northwest Louisiana near the borders of Texas and Arkansas.
With a row of hearses parked out front of the church, mourners walked past pictures of the children: Jayla Elkins, 3, Shayla Elkins, 5, Kayla Pugh, 6, Layla Pugh, 7, Markaydon Pugh, 10, Sariahh Snow, 11, Khedarrion Snow, 6, and Braylon Snow, 5.
Inside the Summer Grove Baptist Church, mourners wearing pink, purple and blue embraced before the service, which featured a gospel choir and prayers from faith leaders. Open caskets were backed by their pictures and their favorite characters, including Lilo and Stitch with angel wings. Mourners also held a crowning ceremony, where tiaras and crowns were placed atop the bodies to signify eternal life.
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"Their presence was a gift: gentle, vibrant and full of promise," said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, who read their names aloud. "Their absence is now deeply felt."
Religious leaders who spoke at the service thanked God for the gift of the children's lives, and said they take heart knowing they are with him now. Authorities say Shamar Elkins launched his attack amidst a separation from his wife, and have asked community members to consider the implications of domestic violence across the city.
The community also remembered the children at amemorial service on May 8, with open caskets and floral displays topped with stuffed Disney character toys.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:8 children slain in Shreveport, Louisiana honored at funeral service