Officers said the shooting began about 05:00 (10:00 GMT) on Sunday. After attacking the children at a property, the suspect drove away in a stolen car, police said. Officers then chased and killed him. Two adult women, including the children's mother, are in critical condition after they, too, were hurt by gunfire. And a ninth child was taken to hospital after jumping from the roof of the home while escaping. The suspect was identified as Shamar Elkins, Shreveport mayor's communications director told the BBC. "We do believe him to be the only individual that fired gunshots at these locations", said Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon in a news conference earlier on Sunday. Officials have not yet suggested a motive on the gunman's part. The children, siblings and one cousin, were three boys and five girls. They were aged between three to 11, the Caddo Parish coroner's office said. Local police had earlier said on Sunday the children ranged in age from one to 14. (BBC)