Christmas Mᴀssacre in Phoenix: Vegan Chef Sentenced to Death for Murdering Estranged Wife and Two Children

What was supposed to be a joyful Christmas morning turned into one of the most shocking family murders in Phoenix history when authorities discovered the bodies of Iris Ross, 38, her 11-year-old son Nigel, and 8-month-old daughter Anora after responding to a call at an apartment complex near 16th Street and Highland Avenue on December 25th, 2017.

According to investigators, Iris Ross had arrived at the apartment to pick up her children for holiday celebrations with their father, Anthony Milan Ross, 45, a former vegan chef, cookbook author, and motivational speaker who had once enjoyed fame but had grown financially dependent on his wife.

Authorities say Ross attempted to discuss reconciliation, but when Iris refused, he allegedly opened fire multiple times in the parking lot as she tried to flee.

Court records indicate that additional sH๏τs were fired after Iris fell to the ground, leaving her fatally wounded.

After shooting his estranged wife, Ross reportedly returned inside the apartment and sH๏τ both of his children.

Investigators described the moment with haunting detail: Nigel allegedly raised his hands in an attempt to defend himself before he was killed, while baby Anora was likewise sH๏τ inside the residence.

Phoenix police surrounded the apartment, resulting in a six-hour standoff during which Ross allegedly threatened witnesses and exchanged gunfire with responding officers before finally being arrested.

The murders occurred just one day after Ross posted a social media video of himself and Nigel singing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” adding a chilling and tragic context to the family’s final hours together.

Court evidence revealed disturbing premeditation, including online searches by Ross regarding firearms, silencers, corrosive acids, and prior family murders.

Investigators also allege that he sent a text to Iris’ sister, Mary, during the attack, admitting to the shooting, further confirming the intent and cold calculation behind the crime.

Family statements indicate Ross’ behavior had changed dramatically after Iris filed for divorce in June 2017.

Previously polite or charming, he began alternating between attempts at reconciliation and verbal abuse, and he even claimed to be working with a voodoo priest in New Orleans to place a hex on his estranged wife, according to reports.

The Maricopa County jury ultimately convicted Anthony Milan Ross in November 2025 on three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Iris, Nigel, and Anora, along with multiple aggravated ᴀssault charges connected to his exchange of gunfire with police officers responding to the scene.

In May 2026, Ross was sentenced to death, with prosecutors emphasizing the extreme premeditation, cruelty, and deliberate targeting of his own family on what should have been a peaceful holiday.

Despite attempts by Ross’ defense attorneys to argue that his mental health issues, including depression, delusions, and paranoia, might mitigate the severity of his actions, the jury rejected these claims, pointing to the evidence of planning, online research, and methodical execution of the murders.

Ross’ previous public persona as a vegan chef and motivational speaker had masked a life that, according to prosecutors, relied almost entirely on his wife’s financial support and ultimately unraveled when his access to that income was threatened by the divorce.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office described the sentence as fully deserved, highlighting the merciless and calculated nature of Ross’ crimes, which left three innocent lives destroyed and forever devastated surviving family members.

Iris Ross was remembered by colleagues and friends as a director and healthcare administrator, dedicated to her children and community.

The case stands as a grim reminder of how financial dependency, obsession, and escalating domestic conflict can converge into unspeakable tragedy, even during a season meant for celebration, joy, and family togetherness.

May Iris, Nigel, and Anora rest in peace, and may their family find strength in the face of this harrowing loss.