On March 15, 2022, a Washington County jury convicted Michael Stuart Ross of second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lesowski and Deputy District Attorney David Pitcher prosecuted the case against the defendant before Judge Ted Sims.
On May 10, 2018, Mr. Ross murdered his 73-year-old mother inside the Tualatin, Oregon home they shared, by stabbing her and bludgeoning her with a steel pipe. He then violently attacked his adult brother with the pipe. Fortunately, the defendant’s brother escaped and ran to a neighbor’s house where they called 9-1-1.
Tualatin police and Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. Officers ordered Mr. Ross to exit the home which he did without incident. They discovered the victim’s body and arrested the defendant.
While in custody at the Washington County Jail, the defendant befriended another inmate and confessed to killing his mother. He then offered to pay the inmate tens of thousands of dollars if he murdered the defendant’s two brothers once he was released on bail. The defendant anticipated a large inheritance from his mother’s estate and wished to prevent their testimony against him. The inmate alerted authorities and fully cooperated with the investigation.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the work of the Tualatin Police Department including Detective Kevin Winfield, the Washington County Major Crimes Team, and the Oregon State Police for their work on this case.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2022, at 8:15 a.m.
