Georgia Mom Shot Dead in Front of 7-Month-Old Baby; Suspect Turns Gun on Himself

A Georgia mother was shot to death in front of her 7-month-old baby outside a grocery store in Stonecrest. The incident unfolded on May 6. Her ex-boyfriend has since turned himself in and was charged with the woman’s killing.

Shyla Cummings, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene. Around 7:20 p.m. on May 6, 2025, the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) responded to a shooting in the 3000 block of Panola Road in Stonecrest, Ga.

Upon arrival, officers found a man and a woman who had gunshot wounds. The man, Isaiah Tarver, 23, also had self-inflicted gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital. His condition was not described as critical. However, Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, DKPD said that Cummings and Tarver knew each other. According to 11 Alive, Cummings’ family confirmed that the pair was in a long-term relationship that was on and off.

According to her family, at the time of the shooting, Cummings was inside a vehicle with her 7-month-old daughter, Sariyah. The infant was not injured and is staying with her mother's family.

In a statement, Cummings’ family described her as “a beautiful soul who loved being a mom.” Roston Cummings, Shyla’s father, said, “Her daughter is almost like Shyla 25 years ago. Same exact way. Adorable. Beautiful."

He prayed, “Keep our family strong, almighty God.” Her family also added that the slain woman was planning to attend nursing school in August. “She was in the peak of her life, you know?” said her mother, Shameeka Cummings.

She added that the young mom was “striving.” Her mother said, “She was the best. That was like my vacation partner and everything.” Shyla will be laid to rest in mid-May 2025.

Tarver has since turned himself in and is facing a murder charge, according to DeKalb County Jail records.