January 22, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
On January 21, 2026, Escambia Circuit Court Judge Amy Broderson sentenced Terrance Lovelle Gross, Jr. to mandatory life in prison without parole followed by another consecutive 30 years in prison. On December 18, 2025, Terrance Lovelle Gross, Jr. was convicted by a jury of First Degree Murder, Shooting at or into a Building or Vehicle, and Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer (siren and lights activated with high speed or reckless driving).
On the evening of June 24, 2024, Gross was one of three defendants who perpetrated a drive-by shooting on Erress Boulevard where Myra Hayes (age 70) was sitting in her front yard with her family. The shooting covered an entire block of a residential area and Myra Hayes was shot in the neck and later died from her injuries. A family member witnessed a small white car and noticed a black gun extended from the window. Shell casings show there were at least two different firearms used during the shooting.
The white vehicle, which was found to be stolen, was quickly spotted by nearby law enforcement and a chase ensued. This chase was at very high speeds and the defendants crossed into oncoming traffic several times. Several pit maneuvers were performed and finally successful in stopping the defendants as they attempted to cross the bridge into Santa Rosa County. The three defendants fled the vehicle and then jumped off the bridge and into the water below. One defendant was found deceased under the bridge due to the impact after he jumped. Gross escaped the scene and was later located in a Texas hospital being treated for his injuries from the jump. He was extradited back to Escambia County.
The investigation and arrest were made by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Charlie Britt prosecuted the case on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. For more information, please contact Mr. Britt at 850-595-4793.
