Anthony Milan Ross, a former television chef in Arizona, was convicted on Monday of murdering his estranged wife and their two young children on Christmas Day in 2017. The Maricopa County jury found him guilty on three counts of first-degree murder as well as additional charges of aggravated assault and assaulting a peace officer.
The tragic events unfolded when Ross’s estranged wife, Iris, arrived at their apartment to pick up their children, 11-year-old Nigel and 10-month-old Anora, after she had filed for divorce six months earlier. Witnesses reported seeing Ross shoot Iris dead outside the apartment before he retreated inside with the children. Following a seven-hour standoff with authorities, police discovered the bodies of both children and faced gunfire from Ross upon entering. He eventually surrendered to law enforcement after injuring one officer during the incident.
Just hours before the tragic murders, Ross had recorded a seemingly joyful video singing Christmas carols with his son, portraying a happy father. This stark contrast to the horror that followed shocked the community. Ross had also sent a concerning message to Iris’s sister during the killings, stating he had “just killed Iris and the kids.”
Family members and friends described Ross as having struggled with mental health issues, and in conversations following the event, indicated he had exhibited unstable behavior leading up to the murders. Iris’s roommate recounted instances of harassment from Ross in the weeks prior, heightening the fears surrounding his mental state.
Ross, who had previously gained attention for his vegan lifestyle and weight loss journey, now faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty during his sentencing scheduled for January 9, 2026. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from untreated mental health issues and domestic violence.