News Summary
Terrell Akeem Nelson, 31, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Cantrelle Hayes-Ross, 34. The shooting took place at her daycare center shortly before Thanksgiving. Nelson faces multiple charges and was denied bail due to being a flight risk. Hayes-Ross’s family is advocating for justice, calling for appropriate legal action against Nelson. The community is mourning the loss of a dedicated childcare worker as the case progresses toward trial.
Savannah – Terrell Akeem Nelson, 31, appeared in a Chatham County courtroom on Thursday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Cantrelle Hayes-Ross, 34. The incident, which occurred the night before Thanksgiving, has drawn significant attention due to its tragic circumstances.
Nelson, who waived the formal reading of the indictment, has opted for a trial by jury. He faces several serious charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and a parole violation. Nelson was arrested on December 2, shortly after the shooting at Hayes-Ross’s daycare center, Friendzone Learning, located in the 1400 block of Augusta Avenue. Savannah Police were alerted to the incident through a ShotSpotter notification, but Hayes-Ross was already fatally injured by the time they arrived.
Following his arrest, Nelson was denied bail in March, categorized as a significant flight risk and a potential danger to the community. The bond order highlighted concerns regarding his history of committing further felonies, intimidating witnesses, and potentially obstructing justice.
Nelson’s criminal background is extensive, marking his tenth incarceration. Notably, he faced a murder accusation in 2013, although he was acquitted due to a lack of conviction, despite eyewitness testimony against him. In 2018, he encountered multiple legal issues, including fleeing from police and illegal possession of a firearm, as a convicted felon.
Hayes-Ross was remembered fondly by family and friends, who are grappling with overwhelming grief following her untimely death. They have expressed devastation for the loss, highlighting Hayes-Ross’s dedication to childcare and her commitment to her daycare business. Family members recently held a candlelight vigil and a balloon release in her honor, showing their support and love for her legacy. They are also raising funds to cover her funeral expenses, underscoring the community’s desire to celebrate her life.
In light of the circumstances surrounding Hayes-Ross’s death, her family is advocating for justice. They are urging the district attorney not to accept any plea deals with Nelson, calling for an outcome that adequately reflects the severity of the crime committed. The family is united in their belief that the punishment should correspond to the tragic loss they have endured.
The case will continue to unfold as it moves toward trial, with the next phases likely to garner further public interest due to its emotionally charged nature and the community’s deep-rooted connections to Hayes-Ross and her work. Nelson’s legal team will mount a defense as the prosecution prepares a case against him, ensuring that the judicial process thoroughly examines all evidence and testimonies related to the murder charge.
As this situation develops, the Savannah community remains poignantly aware of the impacts of violence and the ongoing quest for justice for Cantrelle Hayes-Ross, a cherished figure in the lives of many.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident in Covington Leads to Search for Suspect
Signature Aviation Completes Facility at Savannah/Hilton Head Airport
Cedric Baker Resigns as Savannah State Women’s Basketball Coach
Traffic Disruptions in Savannah Due to Multiple Incidents
Convicted Murderer Granted Parole in Georgia Case
Colt Gray Faces Possible Guilty Plea in School Shooting Case
Rock Out Gang Members Indicted for Violent Crimes in Savannah
Record-Breaking Turnout for Savannah’s Expungement Clinic
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman Highlights First 100 Days
Savannah Community Presses for Improved Security After Tragedy
Additional Resources
- WTOK: Savannah Murder Suspect Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Makes Plea in Court
- Wikipedia: Murder
- WIVB: Parents Grow Frustrated Waiting for Trial of Daycare Employee Accused of Harming Kids
- Google Search: daycare harm trial
- WTOK: Suspect Arrested in Thanksgiving Day Murder of Girlfriend
- Google Scholar: Thanksgiving murder
- WTOP: DC Man Charged in Shooting That Killed 2 Men, Wounded 2-Year-Old Girl Outside Day Care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: daycare shooting
- NBC Washington: Multiple People Shot in DC, Helicopter Sent to Airlift Victims
- Google News: DC shooting
