A cross-state manhunt ended within hours Wednesday after an Ohio woman was found dead in her home and her husband vanished, prompting a rapid search that led authorities to West Virginia.
ALLIANCE, OH – A 49-year-old man accused in the killing of his wife was taken into custody Wednesday in West Virginia after authorities say two children discovered their mother dead inside a bedroom and called 911. The discovery in the Stark County city of Alliance triggered an urgent investigation that quickly focused on the victim’s husband, who was located across state lines later that day.
Ashley Ross was found dead Wednesday morning by her two children, who alerted emergency responders. Investigators with the City of Alliance Police Department determined at the scene that her death was a homicide, though officials have not publicly disclosed the specific cause or manner of death.
Investigation and manhunt
Police said Robert Andre Ross became a suspect “early in the investigation.” A warrant was issued for his arrest on one count of murder as officers worked to track his movements following the discovery.
Alliance Police Chief Aken-Ra X told WOIO that officers at the scene stated it was “obvious” that Ashley Ross was a victim of homicide. Authorities did not release the ages of the children, describing both as juveniles, and said they were placed in the care of relatives who came to the home.
Law enforcement agencies coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, using a license plate reader to identify the suspect’s vehicle. That information led investigators to Morgantown, West Virginia, where local officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
Arrest and next steps
Robert Andre Ross was arrested without incident in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He remains in custody there and is expected to be extradited to Stark County, Ohio, to face the pending charge.
Authorities have not announced a timeline for extradition or formal charging proceedings. No additional details about the circumstances leading up to Ashley Ross’s death have been released.
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