Digest

This episode delves into the shocking murder of Bill Ross, a seemingly happy husband, at the hands of his wife, Kimberly Ross. The investigation initially pointed towards a home invasion, but inconsistencies in the stories of Kimberly and her housemate, Justin Young, led investigators to uncover a sinister plot. Justin revealed that Ashley Cook, a troubled young woman who relied on Kimberly and Bill's generosity, had actually shot Bill. Ashley confessed to the murder, claiming that Kimberly had convinced her that Bill was abusive and that she needed to be saved. Kimberly, however, admitted to her involvement in the conspiracy, claiming that Bill had been abusive and that she was justified in his murder. The investigation revealed that Kimberly had a history of deception and manipulation, and that she had been engaged to another man in Oklahoma, whom she was planning to move in with. The episode concludes with the trial of Kimberly Ross, where she pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 51 years in prison. Ashley Cook was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Justin Young pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast 'Scam Influencers' and its focus on infamous scams, their impact on victims, and the aftermath of the facade falling away. It also introduces the hosts, Sachi Cole and Sarah Haggi, and mentions the availability of the podcast on the Wendery app and other podcast platforms.

00:00:37

The Good Girl Gone Bad

This Chapter delves into the life of Kimberly Ross, a woman with a devout religious upbringing who later rebelled against her family's values. It explores her tumultuous relationships, including her marriage to William Galloway, the birth of their children, and the eventual divorce. It also introduces Bill Ross, Kimberly's childhood friend who later became her husband, and their relationship.

00:01:11

The Crime Scene

This Chapter details the events of Valentine's Day 2007, when Bill Ross was shot and killed in his home. It describes the frantic 911 call made by Kimberly, the arrival of law enforcement, and the discovery of Justin Young and Kimberly tied up. It also recounts the efforts to save Bill's life and his eventual death.

00:01:21

The Investigation Begins

This Chapter focuses on the initial investigation into Bill Ross's murder. It describes the conflicting accounts given by Kimberly and Justin, the discovery of Kimberly's stolen car, and the evidence found at the crime scene. It also highlights the inconsistencies in their stories and the growing suspicion surrounding their claims of a home invasion.

00:02:03

The Truth Emerges

This Chapter details the turning point in the investigation, where Justin Young confesses to the investigators that Ashley Cook, a friend of Kimberly's, was the one who shot Bill. Ashley admits to the murder, claiming that Kimberly had convinced her that Bill was abusive and that she needed to be saved. Kimberly also admits to her involvement in the conspiracy, claiming that Bill had been abusive and that she was justified in his murder.

00:34:02

The Motive

This Chapter explores the motive behind Bill Ross's murder. It reveals that Kimberly had been engaged to another man in Oklahoma and was planning to move in with him. The investigation also uncovers Kimberly's history of deception and manipulation, including her previous fraudulent schemes and her ability to convince others of her fabricated stories.

00:42:03

The Trial

This Chapter focuses on the trial of Kimberly Ross. It describes Justin Young's decision to testify against Kimberly, which ultimately led to her pleading guilty to first-degree murder. The episode concludes with the sentencing of Kimberly, Ashley Cook, and Justin Young, highlighting the impact of the crime on Bill's family and the lasting consequences of Kimberly's actions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial story given about Bill Ross's murder?

  The initial story was that Bill Ross was murdered during a home invasion by two unknown black males who shot him and tied up Kimberly and Justin Young.

• What evidence led investigators to suspect that the home invasion story was false?

  Inconsistencies in the stories told by Kimberly and Justin Young, the discovery of Kimberly's stolen car near Ashley Cook's trailer, and the lack of evidence supporting a home invasion led investigators to doubt their claims.

• Who confessed to shooting Bill Ross and what was their motive?

  Ashley Cook confessed to shooting Bill Ross. She claimed that Kimberly Ross had convinced her that Bill was abusive and that she needed to be saved.

• What was Kimberly Ross's motive for orchestrating Bill's murder?

  Kimberly Ross's motive was to escape her marriage and potentially gain access to her fiance's money. She had been engaged to another man in Oklahoma and was planning to move in with him.

• What happened to Kimberly Ross, Ashley Cook, and Justin Young after the trial?

  Kimberly Ross pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 51 years in prison. Ashley Cook was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Justin Young pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

• What was the impact of the crime on Bill Ross's family?

  Bill Ross's family was devastated by his murder. His sister, Tammy, was particularly affected by the betrayal and the revelation that Kimberly Ross had orchestrated his death. She struggled to forgive Kimberly and expressed her anger and disbelief at her actions.

• What does this episode reveal about the nature of manipulation and deception?

  This episode highlights the power of manipulation and deception. Kimberly Ross used her charm and persuasive skills to convince others to carry out her plans. She fabricated stories of abuse and created a false narrative to justify her actions. The episode demonstrates the potential for individuals to be misled by false accusations and the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority.

• What are some of the challenges faced by investigators in cases involving multiple individuals and conflicting accounts?

  Investigators face numerous challenges in cases involving multiple individuals and conflicting accounts. They must carefully analyze evidence, assess witness credibility, and determine the truth amidst a web of lies and manipulation. The episode highlights the importance of thorough investigation, meticulous evidence gathering, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood.

• What lessons can be learned from this episode about the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority?

  This episode emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning authority. Kimberly Ross's ability to manipulate others highlights the need to be skeptical of claims, especially when they are presented with emotional appeals or personal narratives. It is crucial to seek out multiple perspectives, verify information, and rely on evidence rather than blind faith.

• How does this episode demonstrate the complexities of the criminal justice system?

  This episode showcases the complexities of the criminal justice system. It highlights the investigative process, the importance of evidence and witness testimony, and the challenges of uncovering the truth in a case involving multiple individuals and conflicting accounts. The episode also demonstrates the power of manipulation and the potential for individuals to be misled by false accusations.

Show Notes