Suspect arrested for killing girlfriend on Thanksgiving Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Savannah police have arrested 31-year-old Terrell Akeem Nelson for the murder of his former girlfriend, 34-year-old Cantrelle Hayes-Ross.

According to Savannah Police, this happened Thursday morning in the 1400 block of Augusta Avenue. According to police, Cantrelle was shot multiple times at the daycare center she owned, Friend Zone Learning.

SPD responded to the scene based on a ShotSpotter report, but it was too late to save the woman from her injuries. Her family held a candlelight vigil this weekend and released a balloon to honor her memory.

He is now charged with murder, aggravated assault and a probation violation – putting him on hold with the Georgia Department of Corrections in connection with that shooting.

Nelson has a long criminal history and has had previous run-ins with law enforcement. The most recent charges occurred in 2018. According to records, he was only released from prison in 2021 after serving three years on the following charges: party to a felony, armed robbery, probation violation, possession of a firearm or knife while in custody Committing a felony, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.

He was also accused of murder in 2013. Nelson, then 19, and another man were originally charged with fatally shooting Achmed Williams on 54th Street in March 2013. Both men were later acquitted in the case despite eyewitness testimony from a neighbor. That previous coverage can be found here, along with this link.

We’ll learn more about Nelson’s criminal history and hear from the Hayes-Ross family tonight on our 6 p.m. newscast on December 2nd. We will provide further details as they become available.

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