Nationwide — Shyla Cummings, a 25-year-old African American mother from Stonecrest, Georgia, was shot and killed outside a Publix on Panola Road while her 7-month-old daughter, Sariyah, remained inside a nearby car. Police say a domestic dispute led to the shooting.
According to 11Alive, the DeKalb County Police Department said the shooting happened outside the store last week. Investigators identified the suspect as Isiah Tarver, who had an on-and-off relationship with Cummings. Authorities arrested him soon after the incident.
Police also confirmed that the baby was inside the car during the shooting, close to where it happened. The child was not physically harmed, according to early details shared by investigators.
Family members said Cummings was preparing for a new chapter in her life. She planned to start nursing school in August while raising her infant daughter and building a more stable future.
Her parents described her as a devoted mother and a determined young woman. They said she stayed closely connected to her family, especially her father, with whom she shared a strong bond.
Her mother, Shameeka, remembered how much she embraced motherhood after Sariyah was born. She said, “I think Sariyah came and even changed her and gave her, and she became more independent, and she became more responsible.”
Her father, Roston, asked for prayers as the family dealt with the loss. Relatives also said they hope others take domestic violence warning signs seriously and stay more involved when something feels wrong in a relationship.
Authorities said Isiah Tarver faces a malice murder charge and remains held at the DeKalb County Jail as the investigation continues.