On July 1, 2023, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 55-year-old Sharon Ross was fatally shot during a confrontation with her son, 21-year-old Joshua Ross. The incident occurred at their shared residence in the Burke Village Lane apartments. Police responded to the scene around 10:40 p.m. and found Sharon Ross deceased from a gunshot wound.
Investigations revealed that the mother and son were engaged in a physical altercation over a firearm, which culminated in the fatal shooting. Authorities believe the incident transpired approximately an hour and fifteen minutes before they were notified.
Joshua Ross was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. He was taken into custody at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance was scheduled for July 3, 2023.
Family members expressed profound grief and disbelief over the tragedy. Sharon Ross's sister, Jewel Hawthorne, described her as a wonderful sister, friend, and mother, emphasizing the close relationship between Sharon and Joshua. Hawthorne noted that Sharon had relocated from New Jersey to North Carolina to provide a better life for her children, making the incident particularly shocking for the family.
This case marked the 29th homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting an increase from 21 homicides at the same time in 2022. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sharon Ross's death remains ongoing.
