PHILADELPHIA (January 22, 2024) — District Attorney Larry Krasner and members of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit announced on Monday that Myzeh Ross (DOB 4/29/2002) was found guilty of three counts of Third Degree Murder and related charges for killing three people with his vehicle in August 2022.Early on the morning of August 14, 2022, Ross was driving his black Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed down 52nd Street. Inside his vehicle were seven teenagers. He ran through several red lights as he approached 52nd and Walnut Streets. As Ross reached the intersection, he sped through the red light, striking the driver’s side of a Hyundai Elantra that was in service as a Lyft at that time as it crossed the intersection.
The impact pushed the Hyundai onto the northwest corner of 52nd and Walnut, destroying a bus shelter and killing both the driver and his Lyft passenger. Ross’ vehicle spun to a stop on the west sidewalk of 52nd Street. A 16-year-old male passenger in the Dodge also later succumbed to his injuries as a result of the impact. Courageous bystanders rushed to aid the victims as best they could.“The facts of this horrific case warranted the charges of Third Degree Murder, which can be rare in cases like this,” said DA Krasner. “I commend Assistant District Attorney Sean Perez for his excellent work in prosecuting this case. This conviction should send a message that the criminally reckless behavior exhibited by Mr. Ross will not be tolerated. I also commend the bystanders who rushed to try and help the victims in this tragedy.”
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to hold Myzeh Ross accountable for his wonton disregard for public safety,” said ADA Perez. “And while a guilty verdict cannot bring back the lives lost in this terrible tragedy, it will send a message to those who think it is acceptable to engage in this sort of behavior that we will bring you to justice.”The Hon. Barbara McDermott found Ross guilty of three counts of Third Degree Murder (F1), Homicide by Vehicle (F3), Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (F3), and numerous other charges. Ross is scheduled for sentencing before the Hon. McDermott on March 8, 2024.
CONTACT:Dustin Slaughter, [email protected], 215-686-8713
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually. Learn more about the DAO by visiting PhillyDA.org.