A tragic incident occurred on Easter Sunday when a three-year-old boy named Armani Deshawn Lyons was fatally shot in the head while under the care of a 71-year-old babysitter at an apartment in Atlanta. The emergency response was prompted by reports of a shooting around 12:37 a.m. on April 5 in the vicinity of Washington Street SW. Upon arrival, emergency services found the young child with a gunshot wound, who was rushed to a hospital but sadly pronounced dead. The babysitter, aged 71, has been arrested in connection with the case, while another suspect is currently at large.
The Atlanta Police Department stated that initial investigations revealed the child’s gunshot injury, and the Homicide Unit is actively working on determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Two suspects, identified as Barbara Edwards, 71, and Jermaine Hardeman, 35, have been charged with Felony Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree.
Barbara Edwards was apprehended on April 13, 2026, for charges including Cruelty to Children, Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, whereas Jermaine Hardeman remains at large. The investigation is ongoing to gather more information.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe has been initiated to support Armani’s family during this tragic time, with donations exceeding $4,000. The appeal highlights Armani’s vibrant personality and innocence, expressing the family’s devastation over the loss and the need for financial assistance for funeral arrangements. Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page provided.
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