21-year-old mother died after her babyfather she couldn’t stay any longer in a relationship with shot her to death while she held their 16-month-old daughter in her arms; man sentenced
Georgia – In a disturbing case in Georgia that turned deadly, a 22-year-old man, identified as T. Nash, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of fatally shooting the 21-year-old mother of his child, identified as M. Montgomery, while she cradled their 16-month-old daughter in her arms. The horrifying crime began to unfold outside a daycare center in broad daylight, leaving a young child without a mother and a community shaken.
On June 15, 2022, Montgomery was waiting outside a daycare center with her baby daughter when she was suddenly confronted by Nash, her ex-boyfriend and the child’s father. Prosecutors said Nash had stalked Montgomery and ambushed her as she waited for a ride-sharing vehicle. Frightened by his approach, Montgomery tried to flee back into the daycare, but Nash followed closely behind, shouting threats. According to witnesses and surveillance video shown in court, Nash stormed into the daycare yelling he’s going to kill her, their baby, and eventually himself. His violent threats sent staff and parents into a panic as they scrambled to protect the children.
Despite the chaos, Nash managed to forcibly remove Montgomery and their baby from the daycare premises. Prosecutors told the court that he dragged Montgomery at gunpoint into a nearby wooded area while she continued holding their daughter. Moments later, Nash shot Montgomery in the chest, killing her instantly. The child, though physically unharmed, was found at the scene in her mother’s arms. The toddler is now reportedly being cared for by Montgomery’s family.
One daycare staff member who witnessed the scene testified that Montgomery was terrified of Nash and had clearly tried to escape. The prosecution also shared a tragic note written by Montgomery just two weeks before her death that read, “I can’t stay any longer because if I do, you’ll kill me someday.” Prosecutors described a chilling pattern of domestic abuse in Montgomery and Nash’s relationship. According to testimony, Montgomery had ended their relationship due to repeated episodes of violence and controlling behavior. The letter she left behind became a heartbreaking prophecy fulfilled by her tragic death.
Senior Assistant District Attorney A. Johnson underscored the danger Montgomery faced, arguing that Nash’s actions were deliberate, premeditated, and fueled by rage and possessiveness. During the trial, Nash’s defense attorney attempted to argue that Montgomery had taken her own life. He pointed to a separate note reportedly found in her purse and claimed the gun was found in her hand. Nash also told responding officers, “She shot herself.”
However, the jury found the evidence against Nash overwhelming. After only four hours of deliberation, they returned a guilty verdict on all 13 felony charges, including malice murder, four counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, aggravated stalking, and cruelty to children. Judge L. Hunter sentenced Nash to three life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 years. A permanent protective order was also granted for Montgomery’s family to ensure continued safety and peace.
Montgomery’s loved ones expressed both relief and sorrow following the verdict. Though Nash will never walk free again, they are left grieving the loss of a beloved young mother whose only wish was to protect herself and her child from the man who ultimately ended her life. This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention when victims express fear for their safety.
