Sterling Heights man convicted of murder for stabbing, beating girlfriend with hammer, then stealing her car

(WWJ) — A Sterling Heights man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of killing his girlfriend in 2021.

After a 10-day trial, a Macomb County jury on Wednesday found 50-year-old Jason Ross guilty of four felony counts, including first-degree murder.

Prosecutors say Ross “brutally murdered” 47-year-old Kathleen Hales on Saturday, July 2024, 2021. He stabbed her multiple times and hit her with a hammer at their Sterling Heights home.

Ross hid her body before stealing her car and fleeing with her credit cards and prescription drugs, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Prosecutor Pete Lucido said the medical examiner described the suffering Hales endured as “nothing short of torture.”

“No one should have to endure that, especially at the hands of someone they trusted. We are grateful to the jury for delivering justice, and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family as they continue to deal with this tragic loss," Lucido said, per a press release.

Ross was later arrested in Prescott — about 50 miles north of Bay City — where police found one of the murder weapons and her belongings.

In addition to the murder charge, Ross was found guilty of larceny from a building, unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle and stealing a financial transaction device without consent.

Ross is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10.

“If you are a victim of domestic violence, prioritize your safety by reaching out for help. If you need immediate assistance call 911. Remember you are not alone and help is available,” the prosecutor’s office said in a press release.

More information on available resources can be found on the Macomb County website .

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