The DeKalb County community is grieving the devastating loss of Chayla Cummings, 25, who was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon in a tragic incident outside a Publix grocery store on Panola Road.
Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot and arrived to find Cummings suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving loved ones shattered by the sudden and violent loss.
Authorities also located Isaiah Tarver, 23, with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Investigators believe the two knew each other and say Tarver shot Cummings before turning the gun on himself. Police confirmed he is expected to face a murder charge once he is released from medical care.
The shooting caused a large police presence, with much of the parking lot blocked off as detectives gathered evidence and spoke with witnesses.
Witnesses described hearing gunshots before seeing two people injured outside a vehicle. One witness said a child was still strapped into a car seat inside the car, adding another heartbreaking detail to an already horrific scene.
As family and friends struggle to process what happened, many are remembering Chayla as a young woman taken far too soon. Her death has left a painful void, and the community continues to rally around her loved ones with prayers, condolences, and support.
The investigation remains ongoing.
