In a heartbreaking act of domestic violence that has shocked the Stonecrest, Georgia community, 25-year-old Shyla Cummings was fatally shot in the parking lot of a Publix grocery store on May 6, 2026, while her 7-month-old daughter sat helplessly in the car just inches away.

According to authorities, Shyla was in her vehicle when her on-again, off-again boyfriend, 23-year-old Isaiah Tarver, approached and opened fire. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Tarver then turned the gun on himself, sustaining a self-inflicted wound before being taken to hospital in stable condition. He now faces a malice murder charge and is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.

The innocent baby girl, identified as Sariyah, was not physically injured but was present for the entire traumatic ordeal. She is now in the loving care of Shyla’s devastated parents, who say they cannot bring themselves to watch the chilling CCTV footage captured outside the busy supermarket. “It’s too horrific,” family members shared, their voices breaking with emotion.

Those who knew Shyla described her as a radiant, ambitious young mother full of hope and dreams. She had recently welcomed her precious daughter and was excitedly preparing for a brand-new chapter — starting nursing school in August. Friends and relatives say she was in the prime of her life, striving to build a stable and bright future for herself and her little girl. “She was a beautiful soul who loved being a mom,” her family recalled. Her father emotionally noted that baby Sariyah already resembles her mother at that same tender age.

The tragedy has cast a painful spotlight on the hidden dangers of domestic violence, even in seemingly ordinary moments like a quick grocery store run. What should have been a routine evening turned into an unimaginable nightmare for one family. Shyla’s loved ones are now left grappling with profound grief while stepping up to raise Sariyah without her mother’s warm embrace.

Community members and advocates are calling for greater awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse. Many are questioning how such violence can erupt so publicly in a crowded parking lot, raising concerns about prevention and early intervention in toxic relationships.

As the investigation continues, Shyla’s family is focusing on honoring her memory and ensuring her daughter grows up knowing how deeply she was loved. In the midst of unbearable pain, they cling to the hope that little Sariyah will carry forward her mother’s strength and beautiful spirit.

This senseless loss serves as a devastating reminder that domestic violence can strike anyone, anywhere — even in the middle of everyday life. Shyla Cummings’ story is one of unfulfilled dreams, a stolen future, and a baby girl who will grow up without her mother’s kiss goodnight.