Killer of 21-year-old YSU student is sentenced

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) – The person who killed 21-year-old Girard native and YSU student Kevin Sobnosky was sentenced Thursday in Columbus.

As Keimariyon Ross awaited his sentencing, Kevin Sobnosky’s parents addressed the courtroom.

“We always said he was our Kevin from Heaven,” said Kevin’s mother Laura Sobnosky.

On Oct. 20, 2022, Sobnosky and three others were in a car at a gas station in the Columbus area just before 4 a.m. when they were caught in a shootout. That’s when Ross fired several shots that ultimately led to Kevin’s death.

In the end, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge sentenced Ross to 32 years to life in prison.

“We Kevin’s friends and family are devastated by the loss of Kevin. We mourn his unlimited potential in life that will never be realized in death,” said Kevin’s father Damien Sobnosky.

Laura Sobnosky said they are glad there is some justice but it will never bring Kevin back.

The mother of one of the witnesses, Laura Kemp, also spoke.

“Jacob stated there’s no way to justify the death of my friend Kevin Sobnosky. I will never be able to work, wake up and text or hangout with my friend Kevin ever again because of the careless and selfish act,” she said.

Kevin’s parents are keeping his memory alive in the form of scholarships for Girard students going to Youngstown State and on the soccer team.

“Kevin had a short life but he had a very full life for the time he had on this Earth,” said Damien Sobnosky.

A second suspect in the case, Tyyan Sullivan, was sentenced to 9-10½ years in prison. Tommie Wilkerson, Jr., was also indicted but has not been sentenced yet.

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