Shreveport man connected to mass shooting pleads not guilty to federal charges

SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport man indicted by a federal grand jury last week in connection with the mass shooting of eight children has pleaded not guilty.

Charles Ford was arraigned in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents.

Investigators allege Ford illegally possessed the firearm that authorities say Shamar Elkins used on April 19 during the murders of his seven children and one of their cousins then later lied to agents during the investigation.

He'll be back in court at 10:30 a.m. Monday for a detention hearing.

A separate federal indictment charges Michael Mayence with possessing a firearm while being subject to a domestic violence injunction. Investigators searched his home following Elkins’ arrival there after the shooting and found four guns, prosecutors said.

Mayence was initially scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, too, but it’s been rescheduled for June 23.

Elkins took his own life at Mayence’s home after admitting to the murders, according to Robert Mayence, who is Michael Mayence’s brother.

Two of the slain children’s mothers were shot but survived. Another mother and one of her children suffered other injuries while escaping.

A funeral service for the children was held Saturday.

Flags are flying at half-staff through Sunday in honor of each of the “Eternal 8.”