EAST OAKLAND, CA — The East Oakland community is reeling from a heartbreaking act of domestic violence that took the life of 19-year-old Davonye Cummings, a new mother of twin daughters, who was fatally shot just two weeks after giving birth. The tragedy occurred on the morning of March 2, shaking neighbors, family members, and advocates who say her death is a devastating reminder of the dangers women often face in their own homes.
According to Oakland Police, officers responded around 8 a.m. to an apartment on 74th Avenue, following a 911 call about a shooting. Inside the residence, they discovered Davonye Cummings unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect—identified as 32-year-old Terrence Miles, her boyfriend and the father of her newborn children—allegedly called his own mother shortly after the shooting and made a chilling confession:
“Mom, help! I shot her… I didn’t mean to.”
A Young Life Tragically Cut Short
Davonye Cummings had only recently stepped into motherhood, giving birth to twin girls just 13 days before her death. Described by family as bright, caring, and full of dreams for her future and her daughters’, Davonye had been adjusting to life with two newborns. Her loved ones say she was deeply committed to becoming the best mother she could be and had hoped to pursue further education or a career to support her new family.
“She loved those babies more than anything,” said a close family friend. “To have her taken away so soon, so violently—it’s unbearable.”
History of Abuse Alleged
While authorities continue their investigation, early reports suggest this may not have been an isolated incident. Family members claim Davonye had experienced verbal and emotional abuse from Miles in the past, and that concerns about her safety had been raised, though no official restraining orders were confirmed.
“This is the kind of tragedy we hear about too often but never expect to hit so close to home,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “She was just a kid, with two newborns depending on her. Now they have to grow up without a mother.”
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Terrence Miles was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently being held on homicide charges. Investigators are piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, including the suspect’s mental state and possible motive. The district attorney’s office is expected to formally file charges in the coming days.
A Legacy of Love, Stolen Too Soon
Davonye Cummings’ life, though brief, left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Friends remember her as someone who was always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, and who embraced motherhood with strength and love. Her family hopes her story will not be forgotten—and that it will serve as a wake-up call about the real, ongoing threat of domestic violence.
“She was just starting her life,” her aunt said. “She didn’t deserve this. No woman does.”
Details regarding memorial services for Davonye will be shared by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, the community continues to grieve, support her children, and demand justice for a young mother taken far too soon.