The Structure of America’s Domestic Violence Crisis

Law enforcement secure a crime scene at the home of former Virginia Lt Gov Justin Fairfax on April 16, 2026 in Annandale, Virginia. —Alex Wong—Getty Images

On the morning of April 19, 2026, eight children—the youngest just three years old—were shot in Shreveport, Louisiana. Their alleged killer was Shamar Elkins, 31, their own father. Police have also charged him with shooting his wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, as well as Christina Snow, the mother of three of his children. 

That same week—April 16—in Annandale...