Mother of infant killed outside Georgia grocery store in alleged domestic shooting

A 25-year-old Georgia mother was shot and killed in a grocery store parking lot while sitting in a vehicle with her 7-month-old daughter, before the suspected gunman turned the weapon on himself, police said.

Shyla Cummings was fatally shot on May 6 outside a Publix in Stonecrest, Georgia, in an incident that authorities say involved her former boyfriend, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.

Investigators identified the suspected shooter as Isaiah Tarver, 23, who was also found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said he was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition and is facing a charge of murder with malice.

Shooting outside grocery store

Police said officers responded around 7:20 p.m. local time to reports of a shooting in the 3000 block of Panola Road. When they arrived, they found both a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.

Authorities confirmed that Cummings and Tarver knew each other, and family members told local media the two had been in a long-term on-and-off relationship.

At the time of the shooting, Cummings was inside a vehicle with her infant daughter, 7-month-old Sariyah. The child was not injured and is now in the care of her grandparents.

Family remembers ‘beautiful soul’

Cummings’ family described her as a devoted mother with plans to begin nursing school in August, saying she was in what they called “the peak of her life.”

Her father, Roston Cummings, told local media, “Her daughter is almost like Shyla 25 years ago… adorable, beautiful.”

Her mother, Shameeka Cummings, said she was her “best” and a close companion, adding that she was excited about her future and “striving” toward her goals.

Relatives also remembered her as deeply loving toward her daughter, saying she “loved being a mom” and was focused on building a better future for her family.

Investigation ongoing

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Tarver remains hospitalized as authorities prepare formal proceedings in the case.

Cummings is expected to be laid to rest next week, according to family members.