In a heartbreaking and tragic case from Georgia, Taco Nash, 22, was found guilty of murder and multiple felony charges for the brutal killing of his girlfriend, Mic’Keya Montgomery, in June 2022.
Nash stalked Montgomery, forcibly removed her from a daycare center, and then dragged her into a wooded area where he shot her while she held their 16-month-old daughter.
Despite Nash’s attempt to deflect blame by suggesting Montgomery shot herself, the jury convicted him on all counts, sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the ongoing tragedy faced by Montgomery’s family.
The Murder and Events Leading Up to It
On June 15, 2022, Mic’Keya Montgomery, 21, was at a daycare center in Decatur, Georgia, waiting for a ride-share with her young daughter. Taco Nash, who had a history of abusive behavior toward Montgomery, stalked her to the daycare and attempted to forcibly take her and their child.
The confrontation escalated quickly as Nash violently accosted Montgomery, making threats to kill her and their baby.
In the chilling moments captured on video, Nash entered the daycare center and continued to threaten Montgomery in front of terrified parents and staff. He screamed that he would kill both Montgomery and the child before taking his own life.
The daycare staff, realizing the danger, rushed to protect the children and get them inside for safety. Despite the staff’s efforts to intervene, Nash’s violence spiraled further.
The Final Act of Violence
After the disturbing scene at the daycare, Nash kidnapped Montgomery and her daughter, dragging her into a nearby wooded area at gunpoint. While Montgomery held their child, Nash shot her dead. He left the baby unharmed, and she was later found by authorities and placed into the care of Montgomery’s family.
During the trial, prosecutors presented powerful evidence, including a note written by Montgomery just weeks before her death. The note stated, “I can’t stay any longer because if I do, you’ll kill me someday.” This statement was crucial in shedding light on the abusive relationship between Montgomery and Nash and her deep fear for her life.
Nash’s Defense and the Jury’s Verdict
In an attempt to avoid responsibility for his actions, Nash’s defense attorney suggested that Montgomery had shot herself. The defense also pointed to a note supposedly found in Montgomery’s purse and the fact that the gun was found in her hand. Nash himself was recorded on video telling police, “She shot herself.”
However, the jury, after deliberating for four hours, rejected Nash’s defense and found him guilty of all charges, including one count of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, two counts of kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated stalking, and cruelty to children.
The evidence, including the video footage from the daycare and Montgomery’s own words, painted a clear picture of Nash’s guilt.
Sentencing and Family Impact
Nash was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 60 years for his other crimes. A permanent protective order was also imposed for Montgomery’s family, ensuring they are protected from Nash’s future attempts at contact.
Montgomery’s family, who had been devastated by her death, expressed their grief and relief that Nash would no longer pose a threat to their safety. The loss of a mother, daughter, and sister is immeasurable, and the family continues to mourn the tragic and senseless violence that took Mic’Keya’s life.
Taco Nash’s conviction and life sentence bring a sense of justice to the family of Mic’Keya Montgomery, but no punishment can undo the pain and loss they have experienced. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, which can escalate into deadly consequences.
Nash’s actions, fueled by jealousy and control, have left behind a grieving family and an orphaned child. As the legal proceedings come to a close, the hope remains that justice will bring some measure of peace to Montgomery’s family and send a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.