Family Demands Justice as Murder Suspects Remain Free in Atlanta Toddler's Death

Police have identified Barbara Edwards and Jermaine Hardeman as suspects in the Easter Sunday killing of 3-year-old Armani Lyons.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken child's toy, such as a small stuffed animal, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of sudden, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence.The tragic loss of young Armani Lyons has left his family and community searching for answers and justice.Atlanta Today

Atlanta police have identified Barbara Edwards, a former babysitter, and Jermaine Hardeman as suspects in the murder of 3-year-old Armani Lyons, who was killed on Easter Sunday at an apartment complex. The child's family is expressing frustration that the two suspects remain at large more than two days after being publicly named by authorities.

Why it matters

The tragic death of young Armani Lyons has shaken the southeast Atlanta community, and the family's anguish over the lack of arrests has highlighted ongoing challenges with the criminal justice system's ability to swiftly apprehend suspects in violent crimes.

The details

According to investigators, the killing happened on Easter Sunday at an apartment in the 900 block of Washington Street. Police have named both Edwards and Hardeman as murder suspects, though they are not currently in police custody. The specific details regarding the cause of death and the circumstances leading up to the killing have not yet been released.

  • The incident occurred on Easter Sunday.
  • The suspects were identified by police on Saturday.
  • As of Monday, the two suspects remain at large.

The players

Barbara Edwards

A 71-year-old former babysitter who has been identified as a suspect in the murder of 3-year-old Armani Lyons.

Jermaine Hardeman

A 35-year-old man who has been identified as a suspect in the murder of 3-year-old Armani Lyons.

Armani Lyons

A 3-year-old boy who was killed on Easter Sunday in an apartment complex in southeast Atlanta.

Trinetta Julian

A woman who cared for Armani Lyons like a grandmother and is expressing grief and frustration over the lack of arrests in the case.

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What they’re saying

“Not being able to see him run to my car, not being able to see him pulling out the toys in the apartment. If I would have known the last time... was the last, I would have held on longer.”

— Trinetta Julian, Caregiver

“To know that they're still on the run. That hurt even more. I am thinking justice has been served, them being behind bars. I am thinking they are locked up, but they are still running. Your name was out there, Saturday and here today is Monday. You let two whole days go by without turning yourself in.”

— Trinetta Julian, Caregiver

What’s next

Police are continuing to search for Edwards and Hardeman and are urging anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to contact the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

The tragic death of young Armani Lyons has shaken the southeast Atlanta community, and the family's anguish over the lack of arrests has highlighted ongoing challenges with the criminal justice system's ability to swiftly apprehend suspects in violent crimes. This case underscores the need for improved coordination and responsiveness between law enforcement and the public to ensure justice is served in a timely manner.