A nightmare unfolded in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday morning, as a mass shooting left eight children dead in what officials are calling one of the most horrific tragedies the area has ever seen.

Police say the violence took place in the Cedar Grove neighborhood, where multiple homes became active crime scenes, and an attacker started shooting. In total, at least 10 people were shot, with victims ranging in age from just 1 year old to 14 years old.

Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, but what started as a personal conflict escalated into a large scale massacre. Investigators say the suspect moved between three residences, firing at victims inside homes where families were gathered.

Among the victims were very young children, including toddlers and elementary age kids, many of whom were caught completely off guard inside what should have been the safety of their homes. Several of the children were “descendants” of the suspect, adding a painful dimension to the tragedy. Emergency responders arrived at scenes and described them as chaotic and overwhelming, with multiple victims, panicked families, and a lot of screaming.

Two adult women survived but were seriously injured and rushed to the hospital, while another child was injured while attempting to run away from the shooting.

After carrying out the attacks, the suspect fled the area, carjacked a vehicle, and attempted to escape. Police quickly tracked him down, leading to a pursuit that ended when officers shot and killed the suspect.

An officer described the situation as “one of the most complex and tragic incidents” they have ever handled, with multiple scenes requiring investigation and identification efforts.