Eric Ross, Jr., a 29-year-old resident of Wilmington, Delaware, has been handed a 25-year to life prison sentence by the Honorable Larry J. Schwartz. The sentencing comes after Ross was found guilty of Murder 2nd (felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (felony) by a jury in Rockland County Criminal Court in March of 2022. The announcement was made on Thursday by Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II.
The tragic incident that led to Ross’s conviction occurred on November 24, 2018, around 3:09 pm when Eric Ross drove to Youbs Auto Sales, located at 375 Route 59 in West Nyack. Ross had gone to confront the dealership’s owner, Youbens Joseph, regarding issues he was experiencing with a Hyundai Sonata he had recently purchased from the establishment. An argument quickly escalated between Ross and Joseph, with the dealer informing Ross that there was nothing he could do to address his concerns. Tragically, Ross responded by drawing a 9mm Ruger semi-automatic pistol and fatally shooting Joseph.
District Attorney Tom Walsh expressed his sentiments, stating, “Five years ago, Mr. Joseph was senselessly killed by the defendant after a verbal dispute about a car. The incident occurred across the street from one of the busiest malls in the Hudson Valley and left residents across Rockland County in shock and anger. The defendant will now serve a lengthy prison term for his actions.”
Following the jury’s guilty verdict, the defendant attempted to have the verdict set aside. However, the court held a hearing and ultimately rejected the defendant’s request. Judge Schwartz upheld the jury’s guilty verdict and proceeded with the sentencing. Eric Ross, Jr., received a 25-year to life prison term for the Murder 2nd charge and an additional 15 years in state prison with 5 years of post-release supervision for the Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd charge. Both sentences will run concurrently.
The homicide investigation was diligently conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department and was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Nabeela McLeod and Executive Assistant District Attorney Stephen Moore.