Pregnant rapper and nursing student Qualeisha “Siditty” Barnes fatally shot in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Qualeisha Barnes, a Detroit native and Atlanta-based rapper known by her stage name Siditty, was fatally shot in her vehicle early Wednesday, April 8, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Officers responded around 1:23 a.m. and found Barnes unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a police news release.

Barnes was 14 weeks pregnant, her mother Francine Lopez-Stewart told 11Alive. The family identified her as the victim and said she had lived in the Atlanta area for nearly a decade.

Family Remembers Qualeisha Barnes, rapper Siditty

Barnes’s family confirmed her identity in interviews with 11Alive, describing her as a joyful presence who balanced music, school, and family responsibilities. Her mother said Barnes was working toward a nursing degree and had made the dean’s list. She had “two more semesters to go,” Lopez-Stewart said.

Her sister, Shatara Davis, told the outlet that Barnes was known at home as “LeLe,” not as her stage persona. Davis said, “I know her as Qualeisha. I know her as LeLe.”

Barnes had built a following as Siditty, releasing music and maintaining an active social media presence. She had also released an album and several singles.

Details From the Scene

Police found Barnes inside her vehicle on Springside Place SE. Officers reported multiple gunshot wounds and said the shooting did not appear self-inflicted. Investigators believe someone fired into the vehicle.

Family Calls for Justice

Barnes’s mother told 11Alive she believes more than one person may be responsible. She said anyone who contributed to the violence should face consequences.

“If you instigate something that causes a murder, then you need something. I think you need to go to jail too,” she said.

Her family described her as a jokester who loved makeup, beauty, and laughter. They said memories of her humor are helping them cope.

Qualeisha Barnes Life in Atlanta

Barnes moved from Detroit to Atlanta nearly ten years ago. She pursued music while studying nursing and running a small business.

Her family said she was proud of her academic progress and excited about her future. They emphasized that she was preparing to welcome a baby before her life was cut short.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not released information about suspects or motives. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta.