Phoenix Father gets Death Penalty for Christmas Day Massacre

A Phoenix man, Anthony Milan Ross, has been sentenced to death for the premeditated murders of his ex-wife and their two children.

On December 25, 2017, Ross’ ex-wife, Iris, went to his apartment near 16^th Street and Highland Avenue to pick up their kids from him to celebrate Christmas Day. Once she arrived at Ross’ apartment’s parking lot, she and Ross discussed their failed marriage. After Iris had told Ross that she would not take him back, he shot her multiple times as she tried to run away. He then stood over her and shot her additional times after she had fallen to the ground.

Shortly after, Ross went into his apartment, where he turned the gun on 8-month-old Anora, killing her, and then shot and killed 11-year-old Nigel, who put up his hand in an attempt to defend himself from his father. Ross then returned to the parking lot, where two witnesses saw him going through Iris’ pants pockets. They asked him if she was ok. Ross said no, pointed a gun at them, and went back into his apartment after the witnesses had fled from him in terror.

Phoenix Police arrived, leading to a standoff with Ross that lasted several hours, as Ross threatened to kill the children if the police were to make entry into his apartment. After several hours of police negotiations had broken down, Ross suddenly began shooting. Officers then immediately made entry into the apartment, where the defendant fired multiple gunshots at them until he ran out of ammunition.

A jury found Ross guilty of all charges:

• three counts of First-Degree Murder, a Class One Dangerous Felony
• two counts of Aggravated Assault, a Class Three Dangerous Felony
• 18 counts of Aggravated Assault, a Class Two Dangerous Felony

In addition to today’s death sentence, Ross was given 18 years in prison for the Aggravated Assault charges.

“This defendant was supposed to protect his family; instead, he made a deliberate choice to take their lives on Christmas Day when his wife wouldn’t take him back,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of what he did, and he deserves the ultimate punishment. Thanks to prosecutors Kirsten Valenzuela, Jordan Uglietta, and Richard Dusterhoft, there is justice for Iris, Nigel, and Anora.”