On Sunday morning, July 27, 2025, a devastating shooting at the Elevate at Highland apartment complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, claimed the lives of 29-year-old Kimberlyn Martin, who was nine months pregnant, and her unborn child. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. in the 5100 block of Highland Road, near Lee Drive, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.
Kimberlyn Martin was shot in the chest and was rushed to a local hospital, where both she and her unborn baby succumbed to their injuries. A second victim, an unidentified man, was also shot in the leg but is expected to survive, as his injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The shooting took place at the Elevate at Highland apartment complex, formerly known as The Hub, which has faced scrutiny for a history of crime. District Attorney Hillar Moore, who was present at the scene, declined to comment pending further information from police. Deputy Chief William Clarida stated that the shooting does not appear to be domestic in nature, though details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear as the investigation is in its early stages.
Kimberlyn Martin leaves behind three daughters, aged 4 to 9, compounding the tragedy for her family. Her cousin, Kevin Carter, who lived two doors down from Martin at the apartment complex, shared his grief, noting that he had spoken with her the previous night about her impending labor. “I don’t wish this type of evil on anybody,” Carter said, urging anyone with information to contact the police. He described the loss as a profound shock, stating, “It just punched me in the face basically. And it’s like I’m still recouping from it.”
The Baton Rouge Police Department has reported no witnesses or suspects identified at this time and is actively seeking information from the public. Authorities have urged anyone with details about the shooting to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (225) 389-4869 or Capital Region Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support funeral expenses and Martin’s three daughters, offering a way for the community to assist the grieving family during this heartbreaking time. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to uncover the circumstances of this tragic event.