In the early morning of March 2, 2025, a tragedy unfolded in East Oakland, California, that left a community reeling and a young family shattered. Davonye Cummings, a 19-year-old mother who had given birth to twin daughters just 13 days earlier, was fatally shot in the neck inside an apartment on the 2600 block of 74th Avenue. Her life, filled with the promise of new motherhood, was cut short in an act of violence that has since drawn widespread attention. The suspect, 32-year-old Terrence Miles, identified as Cummings’ boyfriend, now faces serious charges, while the involvement of his mother has added a layer of complexity to an already devastating case.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m., when Oakland police responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Cummings’ body inside the apartment, her life extinguished by a single gunshot. According to court documents, Miles contacted his mother in the immediate aftermath, reportedly saying, “Mom, help! I shot her… I didn’t mean to.” These words, laden with panic and regret, have become central to the case, as authorities work to determine whether the shooting was intentional or accidental. However, what followed has raised significant questions about the actions of Miles’ mother. Rather than immediately alerting authorities, she allegedly went to the apartment, not only to assess the situation but also to remove the newborn twin girls and, according to family members, the firearm used in the shooting. Only after these actions did she contact the police.
Miles was arrested on the same day and has been held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California. He faces three charges: murder, domestic violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Court records reveal that Miles has a history of criminal activity, with five prior felony convictions, though specifics of those cases remain undisclosed. His next court appearance, scheduled for April 1, 2025, will include a plea entry, and the outcome could have profound implications for his future. Meanwhile, his mother was also arrested and is currently detained, facing charges related to her alleged role in removing the gun and the infants from the scene. The exact nature of her charges has not been fully detailed in public records, but her actions have drawn scrutiny from both law enforcement and the community.
Davonye Cummings’ death has left her family and friends grappling with grief. The young mother, described by those close to her as vibrant and devoted, had only just begun her journey as a parent to her twin daughters. Her loss is compounded by the fact that her newborns, now without their mother, are at the center of a case marked by violence and betrayal. Community members have expressed outrage over the circumstances, with many calling for justice and greater attention to issues of domestic violence. Oakland, a city that has long faced challenges with violent crime, recorded this incident as one of several homicides in early 2025, further underscoring the need for systemic change.
The case has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of domestic violence and the accessibility of firearms, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions. Miles’ status as a felon prohibited him from legally possessing a gun, yet he allegedly had access to one, with deadly consequences. Advocates for gun control and domestic violence prevention have pointed to this tragedy as a stark reminder of the intersections between these issues, urging policymakers to address gaps in enforcement and support systems.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on seeking justice for Davonye Cummings and ensuring the safety and well-being of her twin daughters. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young woman whose life was taken too soon, while grappling with the painful questions this case raises about accountability, family dynamics, and the ripple effects of violence. For now, the memory of Cummings, a mother who never had the chance to see her daughters grow, lingers as a call for change in a city and a society searching for answers.