Delaware Man Faces Life Sentence For Killing West Nyack Auto Dealer

WEST NYACK, NY — A Delaware man faces 25 years to life in state prison for killing a Rockland County car dealer.

Youbens Joseph was shot Nov. 24, 2018 in West Nyack, New York, by Eric Ross, Jr. over issues with a car Ross had recently purchased.

The prosecutors said Ross drove to Youbs Auto Sales on Route 59 to confront owner Youbens Joseph of Wallkill about the Hyundai Sonata he had bought. Ross was upset because he was having issues with the car.

They argued, and Joseph said that there was nothing that he could do for Ross. Ross drew a 9mm Ruger semi-automatic pistol, shot Joseph three times and fled.

He was tracked down after a five-day manhunt that involved the U.S. Marshalls Service, the NYPD, and state and local police in Pennsylvania. Ross was taken into custody at a residence in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

The 28-year-old Wilmington resident was convicted March 2 of two felony charges, second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, after a jury trial that lasted 2 weeks.

"The senseless daytime killing of Youbens Joseph across the street from one of the busiest malls in the Hudson Valley left residents in shock and anger," Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said after the verdict. "This extreme act of violence is never the solution to any dispute. A young man is dead and a family is grieving this tragic loss.

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office will recommend the defendant be sentenced to a lengthy prison term which we hope will provide a measure of justice to the victim’s family."

The sentencing is scheduled for June 28. The homicide investigation was conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department and the case prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Nabeela McLeod and Executive Assistant District Attorney Stephen Moore.

SEE ALSO:

• Auto Sales Employee Injured In West Nyack Shooting: Police
• Auto Salesman Shooting Now A Homicide