The victim was pregnant and weeks away from giving birth, family members said.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County police are investigating a deadly early Tuesday shooting that killed 23-year-old Shakiya Pridgen and her unborn son at The Woods at Peppertree Apartments.
Officers were called to the complex about 5:15 a.m. and found Pridgen with gunshot wounds, police said. She was rushed to a hospital but did not survive. Authorities said her unborn child also died from injuries tied to the shooting.
Police said early evidence showed shots were fired into Pridgen’s apartment from outside the building. Investigators had not released a suspect description, announced an arrest or confirmed a motive Tuesday morning. Family members said Pridgen was expecting a baby boy and was due within two weeks.
The shooting left relatives grieving and searching for answers. Pridgen’s mother said she lives at the same apartment complex and went to her daughter’s unit after hearing gunfire. She said she found Pridgen unresponsive and tried to save her while waiting for emergency crews. “I did the best I could,” she said.
Family members said they believe the shooting was targeted, but police had not publicly confirmed that claim. Detectives continued working at the scene Tuesday, collecting evidence and trying to determine where the shots came from.
The shooting drew a large police response to the complex before many residents began their morning. Patrol vehicles and investigators remained around the property as officers worked to secure the area and gather information.
As of Tuesday morning, the case remained open with no announced charges. Police had not released a timeline for the next update.
Author note: Last updated June 16, 2026.