WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Ross Family, Black Panthers React to Jennifer Ross Murder Verdict
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Coren Ross, Jennifer's mother, speaks to the media.While the Jennifer Ross murder verdict caused intense drama inside the courtroom, the aftermath of the murder trial took on two different tones.
Savannah-Chatham police officers patrolled the perimeter of the Chatham County Courthouse to control any potential problems. There were none.
Most family members and attorneys had no comment for the media. Those who did speak had plenty to say.
Jennifer Ross's mother, Coren Ross, left the Chatham County Courthouse Saturday afternoon, hoping it would be the last time.
"It's the end of the legal process," Ross told WTOC. "Now it is the beginning of the rest of our life."
Ross says the trial has not changed how she feels inside.
"Empty and faithful," she said.
An hour earlier, three other mothers listened as their sons were put behind bars for life. Michael Thorpe's mother broke down in tears, had to leave the courtroom, and was later taken to the hospital.
The last few days, Ross says she was able to speak to the mothers of Webster Wilson and Kevin Huckabee.
"My heart breaks for them," she said. "We are all mothers. We have a lot more in common than some might expect."
The defendants families left the Chatham County Courthouse, led by Black Panther Yusuf Shabazz. They made no public statements.
Shabazz returned following Ross's public statements and refused Coren Ross's handshake.
"I don't have no tears," Shabazz said. "No tears."
Shabazz's message was simple. He believed the prosecution was looking to convict somebody, guilty or not.
"This is blood thirsty. Blood thirsty," he said. "Justice was not served today."
"A lot of good will come of this," Ross said.
Ross thanked Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan and prosecutors.
"This is not some podunk southern town, boys and girls," Ross told WTOC. "We have the best here in Savannah, Georgia."
When asked what Jennifer would have said about Saturday's verdict, here's what Ross had to say.
"Way to go mom," she said. "At least she better be."
The Ross family says they will spend Christmas out of town this year, the pain of last Christmas eve still fresh in their minds.
Shabazz says the families of Michael Thorpe, Webster Wilson and Kevin Huckabee plan on filing an appeal to the verdict.
