Anthony Ross: Phoenix Chef Sentenced to Death for Killing Estranged Wife and Two Children on Christmas Day

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A Phoenix-area chef who killed his estranged wife and their two children on Christmas Day in 2017 has now recieved a death sentence for the crime.

Anthony Milan Ross received the sentence after jurors in Maricopa County unanimously agreed he should face the death penalty for the murders of his ex-wife, the couple’s 11-year-old son, and their 10-month-old daughter. 

Prior to his sentencing, Ross had already been onvicted on three counts of first-degree murder and several additional felony charges connected to the case.


Anthony Moss


According to police reports, the violence began on Christmas Day when Ross’ estranged wife arrived at his apartment to pick up their children. 

The two reportedly spoke in the parking lot, where she told him she did not want to get back together with him, as per KPTV News.

His wife’s decision didn't sit well with Ross, so responded by shooting her multiple times as she tried to run away, and according to authorities, he continued firing after she fell to the ground.

Ross then returned to the apartment, where he shot and killed both children before walking back outside, and going through his ex-wife’s pockets while she lay on the ground.

According to several witnesses who saw him shoot his wife, they approached him after he came outside and asked whether the woman was alright, but Ross pointed a gun at them, causing them to run for their lives.

Police officers later responded to the shooting, but when they arrived, they were then pulled into a lengthy standoff with Ross. He threatened to kill the children if officers entered the apartment even though he had already killed the children at the time.

Authorities then tried to negotiate with Ross for several hours but the situation escalated again, and Ross began firing shots.

This prompted officers to move into the apartment and after Ross ran out of ammunition, he was then taken into custody.

Anthony Moss, His Enstraged wife and his son


During the trial, prosecutors revealed that hours before he committed the crime, Anthony Milan Ross posted a Facebook video which showed him singing a Christmas carol with his young son.

They argued that Ross planned the murders because he was very obsessed with looking successful and famous as a motivational speaker. However after his wife filed for divorce about six months prior, that the public image began to shatter leading to the crime.

On the other hand, his defense attorneys said the murders were not planned. They argued that Ross was struggling with depression at the time and had been drinking alcohol on the day of the shootings.

In addition to the murder convictions, Ross was also found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and 17 counts of aggravated assault on peace officers tied to the standoff and exchange of gunfire with police.

Alongside the death sentence, Ross was also ordered to serve an additional 18 years in prison for the aggravated assault convictions. 

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