Pregnant Nursing Student Fatally Shot in Atlanta

Qualeisha Barnes, known as rapper Siditty, was 14 weeks pregnant when she was killed

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the tragic loss of life to gun violence.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the tragic loss of a young life to gun violence in Atlanta.Atlanta Today

Qualeisha Barnes, a 14-week pregnant nursing student and rapper known as Siditty, was fatally shot in Atlanta on April 8. Her family is grieving the loss and calling for justice, saying they believe more than one person was involved in her death.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Atlanta, which has seen a rise in homicides in recent years. Barnes's death has devastated her family, who described her as a dedicated student and joyful person, and they are seeking answers and accountability for her killing.

The details

According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to a fatal shooting around 1:23 a.m. on April 8 and found an unresponsive adult female with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Barnes's family identified her as the victim and said she was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 around 1:23 a.m. local time.
  • Barnes was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

The players

Qualeisha Barnes

Also known by her stage name Siditty, Barnes was a rapper and nursing student who lived in Atlanta for nearly a decade before her death.

Francine Lopez-Stewart

Barnes's mother, who believes more than one person was involved in her daughter's death and wants to see them brought to justice.

Shatara Davis

Barnes's sister, who was emotional while speaking about the loss of her 'baby' sister.

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What they’re saying

“If you instigate something that causes a murder, then you need some kind of, I mean, you need something. I think you need to go to jail too.”

— Francine Lopez-Stewart, Barnes's mother

“I know her as Qualeisha. I know her as LeLe. I know her as we, in the same house, in the same bed. That's what I know her as. All that friend stuff, I don't care about none of that. That was my sister. That was my baby.”

— Shatara Davis, Barnes's sister

“Generally, if you met LeLe, you instantly loved her and she was such a jokester. She liked to laugh, and she was always cracking jokes on me.”

— Francine Lopez-Stewart, Barnes's mother

What’s next

The Atlanta Police Department is continuing its investigation into the fatal shooting of Qualeisha Barnes. Her family is seeking justice and accountability for her death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence in Atlanta and the devastating impact it can have on families. Barnes's story highlights the promise of a young life cut short, and her family's grief and calls for justice reflect the urgent need for solutions to address this public safety crisis.