DeBary teen accused of strangling mother after fight over grades pleads guilty

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DEBARY, Fla. — A DeBary teenager, accused of strangling his mother when the two argued over grades, took a plea deal Wednesday morning.

Gregory Ramos pleaded guilty and agreed to serve 45 years, with a chance of parole in 25 years, and lifetime probation.

READ: 15-year-old charged with killing his mother in DeBary after fight over grades, deputies say

Deputies said Ramos confessed to killing his mother, 46-year-old Gail Cleavenger, by strangling her at the family’s home on Alicante Road in DeBary after the two fought over his grades.

In November 2018, Ramos was charged with murder after deputies found his mother’s body buried under a fire pit at a church, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Ramos’ attorney told Channel 9 that his client has showed some remorse.

“He’s extremely remorseful and he regrets his actions every day,” said Matt Phillips. “He’s trying to be productive while in custody here and did option a high school diploma through the Volusia County School Board through University High.”

He will be sentenced Jan. 22.