DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE — PREGNANT MOTHER FOUND DE-AD WHILE SLEEPING, THE PERSON ACCUSED LEAVES FAMILY IN SH0CK

DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE — Pregnant Mother Killed While Sleeping, Child’s Father Accused in Tragic Case

A heartbreaking case has left a family and community in mourning after a 23-year-old expectant mother was allegedly killed just days before she was due to give birth.

Shakiya Pridgen, who was nine months pregnant, had recently celebrated a baby shower with loved ones as she prepared to welcome her third child. What should have been one of the happiest moments of her life instead turned into an unimaginable tragedy.

According to authorities, the fatal shooting occurred during the early morning hours of June 16, 2026. Investigators say Pridgen was asleep in her bedroom when gunfire erupted. At the time, her two young children, ages one and three, were also in the room.

Although the children were not physically injured, Pridgen suffered critical wounds. Despite emergency efforts, both she and her unborn baby died as a result of the shooting.

The devastating loss has shocked family members, friends, and neighbors who describe Pridgen as a loving mother with a bright future ahead of her. Relatives say she was excited about the arrival of her baby and had been looking forward to expanding her family.

Authorities later identified Devin Anthony, the father of the unborn child, as the primary suspect in the case. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including malice murder, feticide, and aggravated assault.

The allegations have sparked outrage among Pridgen’s loved ones, who say the tragedy might have been prevented.

Family members point to Anthony’s previous criminal history, claiming he had previously been convicted in a separate fatal case but was allowed to remain out of prison under Georgia’s First Offender Act. The revelation has fueled criticism of the legal system and renewed calls for reform.

For Pridgen’s family, the issue is deeply personal. They believe failures within the justice system allowed a dangerous situation to continue unchecked, ultimately leading to a devastating outcome.

In the days following the shooting, community members gathered to honor Pridgen’s memory through vigils and memorial events. Flowers, candles, and messages of support have continued to appear as residents express grief over the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short.

Many who attended the memorials described Pridgen as kind, devoted, and deeply committed to her children. Friends recalled her infectious smile and the excitement she shared while preparing for the birth of her baby.

The tragedy has also drawn attention to the two young children left behind. Family members say their focus now is ensuring the children receive the love, support, and stability they will need after losing their mother.

At the same time, relatives are urging lawmakers to revisit policies surrounding repeat offenders and sentencing alternatives. They hope that by speaking out, meaningful changes can be made to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

As the criminal case moves forward, Pridgen’s family continues to seek justice for both the young mother and the unborn child she never had the chance to meet.

What remains most painful for those who knew her is the contrast between the joyful celebration that took place only days earlier and the devastating events that followed. A woman preparing to welcome new life instead became the victim of a tragedy that has left an entire community searching for answers.

For her family, the fight for justice is only beginning, but so too is the effort to preserve the memory of a young mother whose life ended far too soon.