Crime & Safety
Murder Charge In Car Dealer Shooting
The accused Delaware man was found holed up at a relative's house after a manhunt, the District Attorney said.
WEST NYACK, NY — A Delaware man was indicted Friday over the shooting death of a local car dealer in November.
Rockland County Acting District Attorney Kevin Gilleece announced the indictment of Eric
Ross Jr. of Wilmington on two charges: one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class "A" Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony.
“This defendant thought he could get away with murder. But, he was wrong," Gilleece said. "He will now be held accountable for the cold-blooded shooting of a local car dealer at his place of business.”
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On Nov. 24, 2018, at 3:09 p.m., the 24-year-old allegedly drove to Youbs Auto Sales at 375 Route 59, to confront owner Youbens Joseph about a Hyundai Sonata he had recently purchased from the dealer.
According to the charges, the defendant was upset because he was having issues with the car.
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A verbal altercation erupted between Ross and Joseph, during which the dealer stated that there was nothing that he could do for Ross. Moments later, the defendant drew a 9mm Ruger semi automatic pistol and shot Joseph, prosecutors alleged.
Joseph, an Orange County resident, died at Westchester Medical Center the next day as a result of his injuries.
Following the shooting, Ross immediately drove to Pennsylvania to evade capture. He hid the weapon used to kill Joseph in his car, which was later recovered by police, prosecutors alleged.
On Nov. 28, 2018, the defendant was taken into custody at a relative’s home in Pennsylvania following a police manhunt. He remained at the Bucks County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania until his fight to prevent extradition to New York was over.
Ross faces life in state prison if convicted of the top count of the indictment.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Supervising Assistant District Attorney Nabeela McLeod is prosecuting the case.
PHOTO/ Clarkstown Police Department
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