Nationwide — Valerie Ross, the mother of convicted killer Demetrice Ross, broke down in court and scolded the jury after her son was sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of Thomas Arnold. She insists he’s innocent and plans to appeal.According to the New York Post, Demetrice and another man, Brandon Williams, were both found guilty on 15 charges related to Arnold’s shooting death on the Atlanta BeltLine. The verdict came after a four-day trial and seven hours of jury deliberation.
On the night of February 26, 2022, Arnold, 60, was walking home to the Poncey-Highland neighborhood after spending the evening with friends. Around the same time, surveillance footage captured Ross and Williams following a woman and making unwanted advances on the BeltLine.
Police believe Williams pulled the trigger during a botched robbery attempt. A witness testified that Williams admitted to killing Arnold, allegedly saying, “Can’t leave no witnesses because, no face, no case.”
Arnold was found dead the next morning with multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation gained traction after security footage was released. Williams was arrested two weeks later, and U.S. Marshals arrested Ross a week after that.
Both men received life sentences without parole. Judge Craig Schwall described the crime as “cruel” and “evil” and said their “repugnant and depraved conduct” left the court with no other option.
But Valerie Ross believes the jury reached its decision too quickly and didn’t take enough time to consider the evidence. In court, she declared, “My son, Demetrice Ross, is innocent,” and said she would challenge the ruling.
The case shocked the city, not only for the nature of the killing but also for the mother’s emotional reaction. Valerie Ross says her fight for justice is just beginning.