On the morning of November 28, 2024, 34-year-old Cantrelle Hayes-Ross was fatally shot inside her daycare, the Friend Zone Learning Center on Augusta Avenue in Savannah, Georgia. Officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert found Hayes-Ross with multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified and later arrested 31-year-old Terrell Akeem Nelson, described as her former boyfriend. Nelson was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and a parole violation. Reports say he was on parole at the time and had a lengthy criminal history, including a 2018 conviction for armed robbery and aggravated assault and a prior murder charge in 2013 that ended in acquittal.

Family members held a candlelight vigil and balloon release to honor Hayes-Ross, who was remembered as passionate about childcare and beloved by the children she served. The case is scheduled to proceed to superior court. If anyone knew Cantrelle or has information relevant to the shooting, please share what is known.