Two men, Demetrice Ross and Brandon Williams, were sentenced to life in prison in connection with Thomas Arnold’s 2022 murder. Ross’s mother, Valerie, after hearing her son’s sentence, scolded the jury for how quickly they found him guilty, expressing her intention of appealing.
According to WSBTV, after Judge Craig Schwall sentenced Ross and Williams to life in prison, Valerie Ross managed to speak in court, maintaining her son’s innocence.
“I believe in my heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, with my whole heart, my son Demetrice Ross is innocent,” Valerie told the jury.
Valerie then continued to gesticulate while presenting her address, criticizing the jury. According to her, the jurors hastened to deem him guilty, and she announced her desire to appeal the judgment.
“I know the truth. I wasn’t there, but I know the truth. He’s not going to lie to me,” Valerie added, as per the Daily Mail.
Murder Of Thomas Arnold
According to the New York Post, Thomas Arnold’s murder occurred on February 26, 2022. Arnold had just returned home from an evening out with pals. Ross and Williams, who were captured on surveillance cameras pursuing a woman, allegedly attempted to rob Arnold.
Arnold’s body was discovered the next morning near the Elizabeth Street and Bernina Avenue intersection. He had received bullet wounds. It took police two weeks to apprehend Brandon Williams, who fired the shot at Arnold. A week later, US Marshals apprehended Demetrice Ross.
More than three years after the deadly incident, Ross and Williams’ trial began on April 24 and lasted only four days. Both were convicted guilty on multiple offenses, including malice murder, criminal attempt to conduct armed robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Before imposing their life sentence without parole, Judge Schawll delivered an impassioned and direct message to them.
“Your repugnant and depraved conduct has earned you the certainty that each of you will perish in prison,” Schwall said. “This was a cold and calculated murder. These defendants’ conduct was devoid of morality. And it was willful and intentional without any concern whatsoever for the value of human life, all human life.”
According to WSBTV, Arnold’s family will find closure once the appeals process is completed. They remember him as a caring uncle who fostered dogs and enjoyed traveling.
