Social Media Chef Sentenced to Death for 2017 Murders of Estranged Wife and Two Children

Anthony Milan Ross, a former social media chef who gained fame promoting a vegan lifestyle, was sentenced to death this morning in Maricopa County Superior Court for the 2017 murders of his estranged wife and two young children.

Ross, now 53, shot and killed his wife Iris, his 11-year-old son Nigel, and his eight-month-old daughter Adora. The attack began outside the family’s apartment, where Ross shot Iris multiple times before entering the residence and fatally shooting both children. He then barricaded himself inside for hours before being arrested.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that Ross, a viral social media celebrity who lost weight and posted videos online, was “obsessed with the idea of being famous” and financed his lifestyle with his wife’s money. When Iris filed for divorce in 2017, Ross killed his entire family six months later.

The defense cited mental health issues, including depression and paranoia, in an effort to explain his behavior.

Laura Sutherland, whose sister Iris was killed, expressed relief after the sentence. “He deserves to die,” Sutherland said. “He doesn’t deserve to be on this earth. He doesn’t deserve to breathe. I just wish they could do it sooner.”

Sutherland added: “It’s been nine years I’ve waited for this. Today is such a relief. I feel like he got what he deserved.”

Before the verdict was read, the jury sent the judge a question asking whether it would be possible for the defendant to stand when the sentence was being read. Sutherland said that question “sealed it” in her mind that Ross would receive the death penalty.

Ross showed no reaction when the sentence was handed down. One juror, however, had tears streaming down his cheeks. All jurors affirmed the verdict.

Ross will receive an automatic appeal. In Arizona, executions typically take 20 to 25 years to be carried out.