DELAWARE MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR WEST NYACK HOMICIDE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Eric Ross, Jr., 29 of Wilmington, Delaware was sentenced to 25 years to life by the Honorable Larry J. Schwartz after being 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.

On November 24, 2018, at approximately 3:09 pm., Eric Ross drove to Youbs Auto Sales, located at 375 Route 59 in West Nyack, to confront owner Youbens Joseph about a Hyundai Sonata he had recently purchased from the dealer. Ross was upset because he was having issues with the car. A verbal altercation erupted between Ross and Joseph, during which the dealer stated there was nothing he could do for Ross. Moments later, Ross drew a 9mm Ruger semi-automatic pistol and shot Joseph.

Rockland County District Attorney Walsh said, “5 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.”

After the guilty verdict was rendered, the defendant moved to set aside the verdict, the court conducted a hearing and thereafter denied the defendant’s request. Judge Schwartz ruled the guilty verdict rendered by the jury stands and proceeded to sentencing. The defendant was sentenced to 25 to life in prison for the Murder 2nd charge and 15 years state prison with 5 years post release supervision for the Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd charge. Both sentences to run concurrently to each other.

The homicide investigation was conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department and was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Nabeela McLeod and Executive Assistant District Attorney Stephen Moore.