Georgia Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder of Girlfriend in Front of Their Infant Daughter

The crime, which took place in June 2022, stunned the Decatur community and highlighted a tragic pattern of domestic abuse that escalated into fatal violence.

Taco Nash, 22, was found guilty by a DeKalb County jury on 13 felony counts related to the killing of 21-year-old Mic’Keya Montgomery, the mother of his 16-month-old daughter.

Prosecutors say Nash stalked Montgomery to a day care center in Decatur, confronted her as she waited outside for a rideshare with her child, and later abducted her and the baby at gunpoint. He then dragged Montgomery into a nearby wooded area while she held their daughter — and shot her to death.

The toddler was unharmed and is reportedly now living with Montgomery’s family.

During the emotional trial, DeKalb County Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashley Johnson presented video evidence showing Nash approaching Montgomery outside the day care on June 15, 2022. The footage showed Montgomery yelling at Nash to leave her alone and quickly retreating into the facility in fear. Nash followed her inside and began issuing violent threats, causing panic among staff and parents as they rushed to secure the children.

Johnson told the court that Nash shouted, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill that baby, and then I’m going to kill myself.” An office manager at the day care testified to Nash’s aggressive behavior and confirmed that he terrorized Montgomery in front of staff and parents.

Prosecutors painted a clear picture of an abusive relationship that had reached a breaking point. At the time of her death, Montgomery had recently ended her relationship with Nash due to repeated abuse. In a handwritten note discovered by investigators and dated just two weeks before the murder, Montgomery had written, “I can’t stay any longer because if I do, you’ll kill me someday.”

Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Nash’s defense attorney, Arnold Ragas, argued that Montgomery had taken her own life. He pointed to a note allegedly written by Montgomery and found in her purse, as well as the fact that the weapon was discovered in her hand. Nash himself was recorded telling police, “She shot herself.”

However, the jury rejected this theory, and prosecutors maintained that Nash staged the scene to appear as a suicide.

After just four hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding Nash guilty on all 13 felony 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 judge sentenced Nash to three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 years. A permanent protective order was also issued for Montgomery’s family, ensuring they are never contacted by Nash again.

Article continues below…

TOP STORIES

• Louisville Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Chaining, Trafficking Girlfriend in Her Own Home
• Michigan Mother Faces Trial After Children Found Living in Feces-Filled Home, Sleeping on Pizza Boxes
• Two San Antonio Police Officers Fired Following Domestic Violence Investigation

In a statement after the sentencing, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ashley Johnson said the case serves as a reminder of the dangers victims face when attempting to leave abusive partners.

“This case is heartbreaking, but we hope the verdict offers some measure of justice for Mic’Keya and her family,” Johnson said. “No one should ever have to fear for their life — especially from someone who claims to love them.”

Montgomery’s family, who had attended every day of the trial, thanked the prosecution team and vowed to continue advocating for victims of domestic violence.