Americus Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder of Teen and Shooting of Mother

Terrance Alonzo Washington, 44, of Americus, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to multiple charges in the November 2023 shooting death of 19-year-old Deqwayvious Tremayne Kleckley and the shooting of the teen’s mother.

Washington entered a guilty plea to malice murder, felony murder, and two counts of aggravated assault. The sentencing follows a violent domestic incident that occurred on November 7, 2023, at the Lawrenceville home of the victims.

According to investigators, the mother of the victim called police to report that her boyfriend, Washington, was intoxicated, armed, and refusing to leave. She also informed dispatchers that he had threatened to shoot any officers who responded.

Officers advised the woman to exit the home with her son. As the two were leaving through the driveway, Washington followed them and shot both in the head. The 19-year-old succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The mother survived but sustained serious injuries, including memory loss.

Washington fled the scene in the teen’s pickup truck and was later apprehended in Warner Robins after abandoning the vehicle.

During court proceedings, prosecutors presented surveillance footage of the double shooting to the judge. Washington subsequently entered a non-negotiated guilty plea.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Joseph and Managing ADA Han Chung, with assistance from Investigator J.D. Smith and Victim Witness Advocate Shenita Coward. Agencies involved in the investigation included the Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office, Warner Robins Police Department, and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.