Jury Says Delaware Man Murdered Car Dealer

WEST NYACK, NY — A man from Delaware will be going to prison, possibly for life, for the murder of a West Nyack car dealer.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said Thursday that Eric Ross Jr., 29, of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced to 25 years to life after being found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, felonies.

A jury found Ross guilty of the charges in March 2022.

Prosecutors said that, around 3 p.m. Nov. 24, 2018, Ross drove to Youbs Auto Sales in West Nyack to confront owner Youbens Joseph about a Hyundai Sonata he had recently purchased from him.

Ross was upset because he was having issues with the car, and a verbal fight broke out between the two men, during which Joseph said there was nothing he could do for Ross.

Moments later, police said, Ross drew a 9mm Ruger semi-automatic pistol and shot and killed Joseph.

Walsh called the killing “senseless.”

“The incident occurred across the street from one of the busiest malls in the Hudson Valley,” he said, “and left residents across Rockland County in shock and awe.”

After the guilty verdict was rendered, the defendant moved to set aside the verdict. A hearing was conducted in court and his request was denied, Walsh’s office said.

The judge then proceeded with the sentencing.

Ross received 25 years to life for the murder charge and 15 years with five years post-release supervision for the weapon charge. The sentences will run concurrently, the DA said.