Pregnant Woman Killed in Atlanta Shooting

Family remembers Qualeisha Barnes, an aspiring nurse, as police investigate the homicide.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:41am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic shooting incident.A single spent bullet casing found at the scene of a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a pregnant woman in Atlanta, exposing the grim realities of rising urban violence.Atlanta Today

A 36-year-old pregnant woman, Qualeisha Barnes, was found shot and killed inside a vehicle in Atlanta early Wednesday morning. Police are investigating the incident as a homicide, with no suspects identified yet. Barnes, known by her stage name 'Siditty,' was 14 weeks pregnant and close to finishing nursing school when she was tragically killed.

Why it matters

This shooting is part of a recent spike in violence in Atlanta, raising concerns about public safety. The death of an expectant mother is especially tragic, and the case highlights the need for the community and police to work together to address rising crime rates in the city.

The details

Police responded to a report of a person shot around 1:23 a.m. on Springside Place and found Barnes deceased inside an SUV that had come to rest in the roadway. Authorities believe multiple gunshots were fired into the vehicle, though they are still investigating whether the shots came from inside or outside the car. The case is being treated as a homicide, with no indication of self-inflicted injuries.

  • The incident occurred around 1:23 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • Barnes was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

The players

Qualeisha Barnes

A 36-year-old woman known by her stage name 'Siditty,' who was 14 weeks pregnant and close to finishing nursing school when she was tragically killed.

Atlanta Police Lt. Christopher Butler

A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department who is leading the investigation into Barnes' death.

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What they’re saying

“No indication right now”

— Lt. Christopher Butler, Atlanta Police

“Be vigilant, know your community, speak out if there's something going on in your area. The community is our greatest asset.”

— Lt. Christopher Butler, Atlanta Police

What’s next

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta anonymously.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting of a pregnant woman highlights the ongoing challenges of rising violence in Atlanta and the need for the community and police to work together to address public safety concerns and prevent such senseless acts of violence.