MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Justin Brady was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole today by Judge Matthew P. Frericks, following his conviction for aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault. The verdict was delivered by a Marion County jury in October.
Prosecutor Ray Grogan expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some measure of relief and closure to the family of the victim, DJ Ross. “Brady’s senseless and horrific murder of DJ Ross deserves a life sentence, and now he will spend every day of the rest of his life behind bars,” Grogan stated.
The incident occurred in the early hours of July 21, 2023, when Brady shot Ross, his roommate, while he was sleeping on a couch. According to reports, Brady pointed a gun at Ross’s forehead before pulling the trigger. Prior to the shooting, Brady had called 911, ominously predicting that their shared apartment on Libby Lane might become a “murder crime scene.” Days before the incident, he allegedly told a friend about his intention to harm Ross.
After the shooting, Marion Police quickly responded to the scene, recovering the firearm used in the murder. The weapon was found to contain Brady’s DNA and matched the bullets recovered from Ross’s body, solidifying the evidence against him. Despite confessing to the shooting during an interview, Brady’s explanations and defenses were met with skepticism by law enforcement and ultimately the jury.
The prosecution was led by Grogan and Assistant Prosecutor John Scott, who thanked various agencies, including the Marion Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, for their diligence in handling the case.
This sentencing marks a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for DJ Ross and his family.