SHREVEPORT, Louisiana - It was a tragic day Sunday in Shreveport, Louisiana, when a gunman visited two homes on a killing rampage, killing or wounding almost a  dozen victims.

The tragedy began unfolding shortly after 6:00am local time Sunday, when a man opened fire on a woman, seriously injuring her. The man then went to another home where it is understood he killed eight children, aged 12 months to fourteen; seriously injured another woman, and moderately injured a teenager.

The man then hijacked a car at gunpoint and fled the scene. Shreveport Police were quickly on the scene, identified the suspected gunman, and began a police pursuit of the man in the stolen car. The chase came to an abrupt halt when officers fired on the man, resulting in his death.

Due to the fact that the gunman died at the hands of police, the Louisiana State Police have commenced an investigation into that element of the day's events. The Shreveport Police Department is heading up the investigation into the mass shooting that preceded the man's death.

Police have released the name of the alleged shooter. He was Sharma Elkins, 31, of Shreveport. Police say he was the father of seven of the children killed. The eighth child was a cousin of the others. A teenage boy, aged 13, escaped by climbing on the roof.

The Caddo Parish Coroner's office confirmed the names of the 8 children who died. They were  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..

"The Shreveport Police Department is actively investigating a tragic domestic violence incident that occurred early this morning within our city. This incident has resulted in a catastrophic and heartbreaking loss of young lives," the Sheveport Police Department said in a statement Sunday.

"At this time, investigators have confirmed that eight children, ranging in age from approximately one to fourteen years old, were killed inside a residence located in the 300 block of West 79th Street during a violent domestic incident."

"In addition to the loss of life, two adult females are currently being treated at a local hospital for serious injuries. A teenage victim also sustained injuries during the incident; those injuries are considered non-life-threatening," the Shreveport Police statement said.

"Preliminary information indicates the suspect first shot an adult female on Harrison Street before traveling to the residence on West 79th Street, where this heinous act was carried out. After fleeing the scene, the suspect carjacked an adult male at gunpoint near the intersection of Linwood Avenue and West 79th Street."

"Shortly after the carjacking, Shreveport Police Department DWI officers located the stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit continued into Bossier Parish, where officers ultimately engaged the suspect. Officers were forced to discharge their department-issued firearms, neutralizing the suspect, who was pronounced deceased at the scene," the statement said.

"The Louisiana State Police will be conducting the investigation regarding the officer-involved shooting. At this time, no wrongdoing is suspected, and preliminary information indicates that the officers acted appropriately and in accordance with department policy."

"We do not yet know all the details, but I am deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life," Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a Facebook post. "I'm praying for the victims and their family members in the wake of this devastating violence."

(Top photo credit: KVSA).