Sterling heights man sentenced to life without parole for murder of girlfriend
Male judge in courtroom hits with hammer. Court session on consideration of criminal case in court concept

Sterling Heights man sentenced to life without parole for murder of girlfriend

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — Jason Ross, 50, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday for the murder of his girlfriend, Kathleen Hales, following his conviction by a Macomb County jury last month.

Ross was found guilty on September 4 of first-degree murder after a ten-day trial. According to court records, he brutally stabbed Hales, 47, and struck her with a hammer on July 24, 2021, in their Sterling Heights home. After killing her, Ross fled the scene with Hales’ credit cards, prescription drugs, and car, hiding her body before his escape.

Authorities apprehended Ross in Prescott, Mich., where he was found in possession of one of the murder weapons and items belonging to the victim, police said.

In addition to the murder charge, Ross was convicted of multiple felonies, including larceny from a building, unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle, and stealing a financial transaction device without consent. He was sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Sabaugh to life without parole for the murder.

“As a community, we cannot tolerate such acts of brutality. This sentence ensures that justice is served for the victim, her family, and all those affected by this senseless violence,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.