Edward Kenneth Ross, aged 30, tragically passed away on December 29, 2019, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Edward, affectionately known as "King Edward," was well-regarded in his community and had worked for Beach Rental Services for 15 years. He was known for his love of surfing, skateboarding, and traveling, and was remembered for his infectious laugh and contagious smile.
His sudden death left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Edward's death were harrowing. On the evening of December 29, 2019, Edward was at his home on Sunset Avenue when three gunmen forced their way into his residence. Just moments after stepping out of his shower, Edward was shot multiple times by the intruders. His father, Kenneth Ross, witnessed the tragic event and described how his son took his last breath in front of him. The gunmen fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
The investigation into Edward's murder revealed that the attack was a planned robbery gone wrong. Jorge L. "King" Perez, aged 22, was identified as the mastermind behind the robbery. Perez, who did not fire a weapon himself, was accused of organizing the robbery and providing the firearms used in the crime. He waited outside the Ross home while the gunmen carried out the attack. Perez was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted robbery with a firearm.
Several suspects were arrested and tried in connection with Edward's murder. Abel Ortiz, one of the gunmen, was sentenced to two life sentences for his role in the attempted robbery and murder. Ortiz was found guilty of first-degree felony murder and attempted robbery with a firearm. During the trial, it was revealed that Ortiz had shot Edward seven times, with three bullets hitting him, including a fatal shot to the back. Another suspect, Joshua Emmanuel Campbell, was also arrested and charged with premeditated murder. Campbell, along with two other accomplices, had forced their way into Edward's home and shot him multiple times.
The trials and convictions of the suspects involved in Edward's murder brought some measure of justice to his grieving family. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of violent crime and the profound impact it has on the victims' loved ones. Edward's family continues to remember him for the joy and kindness he brought into their lives, even as they cope with the pain of his untimely death.
