Authorities arrested a 26-year-old man hours after the fatal shooting of a pregnant mother in Decatur.
DECATUR, Ga. — A 23-year-old pregnant mother of two and her unborn son died after someone fired multiple shots into her apartment early June 16, striking her while she slept with her young children nearby, according to authorities investigating the killing.
Investigators say the shooting occurred just days before the woman was expected to give birth and only days after relatives gathered to celebrate her baby shower. The case quickly led to the arrest of a suspect later the same day. Authorities have filed multiple felony charges, including murder and feticide, while family members mourn a loss they describe as devastating for both the victim’s children and the wider community.
Police responding to reports of gunfire at a residence in Decatur during the early morning hours found Shakiya Pridgen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency crews transported her to a hospital, but doctors were unable to save either Pridgen or her unborn child. Investigators believe the shots were fired from outside the residence and entered the home. Authorities said Pridgen’s two young children, ages 1 and 3, were inside the apartment at the time. Neither child was physically injured. Later that day, law enforcement officers arrested 26-year-old Devin Anthony in nearby Riverdale. Court records show Anthony was booked on several serious charges connected to the case. Officials have not publicly detailed a motive. Family members, however, have alleged that Anthony had a prior relationship with Pridgen and knew details about her living arrangements. Investigators have not publicly confirmed those claims.
According to authorities, Anthony faces charges that include malice murder, feticide, two counts of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officials said the investigation remains active as detectives continue collecting evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have not released information about what led them to identify Anthony as a suspect so quickly after the killing. They also have not disclosed whether any surveillance footage, witness statements or forensic evidence directly linked him to the crime. Court records reviewed after the arrest indicated Anthony was being held without bond. As of Thursday, it was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea or retained legal representation. Authorities have likewise not publicly explained whether the shooting was specifically planned or whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation develops.
The deaths have drawn attention because of the circumstances surrounding the attack and the stage of Pridgen’s pregnancy. Relatives said she was only days away from giving birth to a baby boy she planned to name Kyren. Family members described her as a dedicated mother who had recently reached a significant milestone by moving into her own apartment. They said she was focused on raising her children and preparing for the arrival of her third child. The shooting also renewed concerns about violence occurring in residential neighborhoods, particularly incidents in which gunfire enters homes from outside. While investigators have not publicly identified a motive, the case has generated strong reactions from community members because of the loss of both a young mother and an unborn child. Friends and relatives have since organized support efforts aimed at helping Pridgen’s surviving children and preserving her memory.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as prosecutors move the case through the court system. Anthony remains accused but has not been convicted, and the allegations against him will be tested in court. Prosecutors will likely present evidence gathered from the crime scene, witness interviews and forensic examinations as the case advances. Additional hearings could establish timelines for discovery, motions and any future trial date. Investigators have not announced whether they expect further arrests or whether other individuals may have information relevant to the case. Authorities also have not publicly released details about the firearm allegedly used in the shooting. For now, the criminal charges filed after Anthony’s arrest represent the first major procedural step in a case that has drawn significant public attention because of its tragic circumstances.
Relatives remembered Pridgen as a young woman looking forward to a new chapter in her life. Her mother, Verdina Scott, said her daughter was committed to her family and preparing for the future. Speaking publicly after the shooting, Scott described the loss as both personal and profound, emphasizing that relatives planned to care for Pridgen’s children and pursue justice through the legal process. Family members also reflected on the timing of the killing, noting that loved ones had gathered only days earlier to celebrate the expected arrival of Kyren. Community members have contributed messages of support and participated in fundraising efforts for the surviving children. Those close to Pridgen said the contrast between the recent celebration and the sudden violence has made the tragedy especially difficult to comprehend.
The case remains under investigation, with Anthony held in custody and prosecutors preparing for upcoming court proceedings. Authorities have not released additional details about a motive. The next major milestone is expected to come through future court hearings as the criminal case moves forward.