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Suspect Arrested In Fatal Shooting Of Dancing Doll DyShea Upshaw Outside Georgia Kroger

A suspect was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old dancer who was killed outside a Dekalb County Kroger over a week ago, police announced Wednesday. 

Dyshea Upshaw, 16, was a dancer with Ms. D’s Dancing Dolls on the Lifetime reality series Bring It. Upshaw reportedly went to the Kroger shopping center on June 12 when two groups of people got into an argument, NewsOnyx previously reported. The group in one car opened fire at another vehicle, police said. Upshaw and 17-year-old Javonte Wood were identified as victims of the shooting. 

The Dekalb County Police Department said DeAnthony Cullins turned himself in Monday. He has been charged with malice of murder and aggravated assault with a weapon.

Earlier this month, coach Diana Williams took to Facebook and shared a loving tribute to one of her shining stars on the team. 

“This child had an effect on all of us and left something with us all that we will never forget,” Williams wrote. “These girls are not just our dancers. They are family. They are our kids. They are our students. They are a part of us forever.”

The 44-year-old shared a post to her Instagram account, saying her final goodbye to Upshaw as family and friends attended Upshaw’s funeral in Atlanta.

“To hear today that my baby has been watching @bringit since age seven and always wanted to be with me as a DANCING DOLL lifted my spirits.. in Atl, she gained a huge dance family, dance moms, dance aunts, and so many coaches that love her.. to be a dancing doll meant a lot to this baby….. before passing her next steps we’re headed to THEE JSU……

God cover us all… we miss you like girl 🕊💕💕” she captioned the post.

The Dancing Dolls lost one of their members in Jackson, Mississippi, back in February, Sis2Sis reported. Shakira Gatlin, 19, was fatally wounded by gunfire on Feb. 2 at a home on the 100 block of Barnes Street. According to police, Gatlin was shot in the head after a male was “mishandling a gun.” The teen had just celebrated her 19th birthday at the time. 

Jahaura Michelle

Jahaura Michelle is a graduate of Hofstra University with a Master's degree in broadcast journalism. As a journalist with five+ years of experience, she knows how to report the facts and remain impartial. However, she unapologetically expresses her opinions on things she is most passionate about. As an opinionated Black woman with Puerto Rican and Dominican roots, she loves writing about food, culture, and the issues that continue to plague Black communities. In her downtime, she loves to cook, watch sports, and almost never passes up on a good Caribbean party. Vamanos!