Families of Shreveport shooting victims say fundraiser money has not reached them
By Rylee Curry
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SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — More than a week after a mass shooting in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood left eight children dead, families of the victims say they have yet to receive money raised on their behalf through online fundraisers and other donation efforts. Lashun Berry, a spokeswoman representing the affected families, said Wednesday that none of the funds collected through GoFundMe campaigns or bank accounts have been distributed to the victims. “I am speaking on behalf of all families — the Pugh, Elkins and Snow families,” Berry said. “No family has received any of the GoFundMe funds. We have no clue about the Regions Bank accounts. We don’t understand why money is being collected on their behalf but not given to them.” Authorities say the shooting occurred in the Cedar Grove neighborhood, where Shamar Elkins killed eight children — seven of his own and one nephew — in what officials have described as a domestic incident. Three mothers — Shanequia Elkins, Keosha Pugh and Christina Snow — survived the shooting, along with one juvenile. Berry said the women have since been displaced from their homes and are struggling to meet basic daily needs. “They’ve been moved out of those homes,” Berry said. “You want to take bra and panties from the house where your baby’s blood is splattered? And we got to wash this stuff? No we’re not doing that.” Multiple fundraising efforts have been launched in the days following the shooting, including a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $20,000, a Regions Bank account under the name “The Pugh, Elkins and Snow Family,” and an April 19 survivors fund organized by the Community Foundation of Northwest Louisiana. All have stated that donations are intended to address immediate needs. However, Berry said none of those funds have reached the families as of Wednesday. Carla Collins, identified as the organizer of one GoFundMe campaign, said delays stem from early discrepancies among the families. In a statement, a GoFundMe representative said the company is working with the organizer to ensure funds are distributed safely. “We’re working directly with Ms. Collins to help ensure funds are safely delivered to the intended beneficiaries,” the statement said. “To help keep the platform safe, donations are processed by our payment partners, held, and then released only to the person named as the recipient.” Berry said the only direct financial assistance the families have received so far has come from only a few local community efforts. One business, The Smoking Oyster, raised about $1,200 through a fundraiser event, with proceeds given directly to a family representative. As funeral services approach on May 9, Berry said the mothers still lack essential items, including clothing and shoes. She added that donations dropped off at 2936 Greenwood Road will be distributed directly to the survivors.
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