William Bryan Ross II, a 31-year-old man from Girard, Ohio, tragically died on August 30, 2020. Known affectionately as "Will," Ross was born on May 27, 1984, and was a graduate of Liberty High School. He was a self-employed auto mechanic and electrical repairman who had a passion for motorcycles and basketball. Ross is remembered fondly by his family, including his father William Bryan Ross Sr., his mother Valencia Triggs, and his sister Antwonya Thompkins, among others.
Ross's death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred at his residence on Keefer Road in Liberty Township. According to police reports, Ross's roommate, 55-year-old Felix Olverson, shot him on the front porch after a heated argument about finances. Olverson fled the scene but was later found and arrested by police in nearby woods. A weapon believed to be used in the shooting was recovered, and Olverson admitted to obtaining it illegally on the street a few days prior.
Following the incident, Olverson was charged with murder and arraigned in Girard Municipal Court. In April 2022, he entered a plea deal and was sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and other related charges. The court also ordered Olverson to serve two to five years on probation following his release. Despite the legal proceedings, Ross's family expressed mixed feelings about the outcome, with some feeling that the sentence was not sufficient.
The tragic death of William Bryan Ross II has left a lasting impact on his family and community, highlighting the devastating consequences of gun violence and unresolved conflicts.
