A 25-year-old Georgia mother was shot and killed outside a Publix grocery store in Stonecrest earlier this month in a case that police say involved her former boyfriend. Authorities said the woman’s 7-month-old daughter was inside the vehicle during the incident but was not physically harmed.
The victim, identified as Shyla Cummings, died at the scene after officers responded to reports of gunfire on May 6 in the 3000 block of Panola Road, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.
Police said the suspected shooter, 23-year-old Isaiah Tarver, was also found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition and later charged with murder with malice.
Response
According to police, officers arrived at the Publix parking lot around 7:20 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers reached the scene, they found both Cummings and Tarver suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders pronounced Cummings dead at the location.
Tarver survived his injuries and remains in custody following treatment, according to jail records reviewed by local media outlets.
Investigators confirmed that the two individuals knew each other prior to the incident.
Relationship
Family members told local station 11 Alive that Cummings and Tarver had been involved in a long-term relationship that was described as on-again and off-again.
Relatives said the couple shared a young daughter, 7-month-old Sariyah, who was reportedly inside the vehicle with her mother at the time of the shooting.
The child was not injured during the incident and is now being cared for by Cummings’ parents, according to the family.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details regarding what led up to the shooting.
Family
Loved ones described Cummings as a devoted mother with plans for the future.
Her family told reporters she had intended to begin nursing school in August and was working toward building a career in healthcare.
“She was in the peak of her life,” her mother, Shameeka Cummings, told 11 Alive. “Striving. She was the best.”
Family members also spoke about the close bond Cummings shared with her daughter.
Her father, Roston Cummings, said the infant reminds the family of Shyla as a child.
“Her daughter is almost like Shyla 25 years ago,” he said. “Same exact way. Adorable. Beautiful.”
Relatives described Cummings as someone who enjoyed spending time with family and embraced motherhood.
Charges
According to DeKalb County Jail records, Tarver is facing a murder with malice charge in connection with the case.
Under Georgia law, malice murder charges generally involve allegations that a killing was carried out intentionally and without legal justification.
Police have not announced whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | May 6, 2026 |
| Location | Publix parking lot in Stonecrest, Georgia |
| Victim | Shyla Cummings, 25 |
| Suspect | Isaiah Tarver, 23 |
| Child involved | 7-month-old daughter present in vehicle |
| Child’s condition | Uninjured |
| Suspect status | Hospitalized, later charged |
| Charge filed | Murder with malice |
Investigation
The DeKalb County Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Cases involving domestic or former romantic partners often require investigators to review prior interactions, witness statements, digital evidence, and communication records as part of the process.
Authorities have not released information about whether previous incidents between the pair had been reported to law enforcement.
Meanwhile, family members are preparing for Cummings’ funeral, which is expected to take place next week.
Her death has left relatives mourning the loss of a young mother whose family says she was focused on raising her daughter and preparing for the next stage of her life.
FAQs
Who was the victim in the case?
The victim was 25-year-old Shyla Cummings.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting happened outside a Publix in Stonecrest.
Was the baby injured?
No, the 7-month-old baby was unharmed.
Who was charged in the case?
Isaiah Tarver was charged with murder.
What did Shyla plan to study?
She planned to attend nursing school.
