Once-Lauded Chef Now Faces Life Behind Bars After Chilling Verdict
The culinary world is reeling after a Maricopa County jury convicted
Anthony Milan Ross, a once-celebrated vegan chef and author, of the brutal murders of his estranged wife and two young children on Christmas Day 2017. The verdict, delivered on November 3, 2025, brings a tragic end to a case that has haunted Arizona for nearly eight years.
From Plant-Based Fame to Infamy
Ross, 53, was once a rising star in the plant-based movement, known for his inspirational health journey and appearances alongside celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson and James Cameron. He built a public persona as a wellness advocate, but behind the scenes, his personal life was unraveling.
On December 25, 2017, Ross posted a seemingly joyful Instagram video of himself and his 11-year-old son, Nigel, singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Just hours later, police say he shot and killed his estranged wife,
Iris Ross, on the patio of his Phoenix apartment, then murdered their two children—Nigel and 10-month-old Anora—inside the home.
The Chilling Details of the Crime
Prosecutors painted a picture of premeditation and cold calculation. They argued that Ross, dependent on his wife’s income to maintain his celebrity lifestyle, had researched weapons, battery acid, and other family killings online. He reportedly told acquaintances to “expect something big on Christmas”.
After the murders, Ross engaged in a tense, hours-long standoff with Phoenix police, exchanging gunfire before finally being taken into custody. He was later charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault related to the killings, and 17 counts of aggravated assault on peace officers.
Defense Cites Mental Health Struggles
Ross’s defense attorney, Carrie Gallagher, argued that his actions were the result of severe mental health struggles, including insomnia and erratic behavior. She pointed to his internet searches as evidence of a troubled mind rather than a calculated killer. The defense also noted that Ross had recently proposed to a new girlfriend and adopted a dog, suggesting he was planning for the future.
However, the jury was unconvinced, siding with prosecutors who emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime and Ross’s history of threats and disturbing behavior following his divorce from Iris.
Community and Family React
The case has left a deep scar on the Phoenix community and the broader world of plant-based advocacy. Iris’s sister, Mary Wogas, described Ross’s increasingly erratic and threatening behavior in the months leading up to the murders, including bizarre claims of working with a voodoo priest to harm Iris.
The tragedy has also sparked conversations about the intersection of mental health, domestic violence, and the pressures of public life.
What’s Next for Ross?
With the conviction secured, Ross now faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison. Sentencing is expected in the coming weeks, with many in the community hoping for closure after years of anguish and unanswered questions.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even those who appear to embody health and positivity can harbor dark secrets—and that the consequences of unchecked mental health struggles can be devastating.
Sources
1. Jury Convicts Celebrity Chef in Family Murders | News - BET
2. Man who tried to assassinate Kavanaugh wanted to kill 3 justices ...
3. Celebrity Chef Anthony Milan Ross Found Guilty Of Killing Wife ...
4. CBI to grill ex-principal Sandip Ghosh for third consecutive day
5. Well-known Arizona chef found guilty of murdering wife, kids
6. Here's The Real Truth About Polyamory In The Black Community - BET
7. [XML] web-sitemap-2017-12.xml - Gannett-cdn.com
