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Loved to Death: True Story--Deborah Ross & Nathan Burris Movie

Loved to Death is a TV One true-story movie that is inspired by the Nathan Burris, Debbie Ross toll booth shootings in California. All the names and the locations were changed in the film. Loved to Death is directed by Lee Davis and written by Chad Quinn. It stars rapper MC Lyte, Chrystee Pharris, McKinley Freeman, and Malinda Williams. Nathan Burris shot and killed Deborah ‘Debbie’ Ross, 51, and her lover, bus driver Ersie Everette III, 58, on August 11, 2009. Nathaniel Burris is referred to as “The Laughing Killer."

Today, Nathaniel ‘Nathan’ Burris sits on death row.


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Loved To Death: True Story Movie Based On Debbie Ross--Nathan Burris Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Shooting 



Loved to Death TV One Movie Synopsis
When a toll booth worker finds love again after a bitter breakup with her violent ex, she becomes the victim of a man who decided no one could have her if he couldn’t.

The True Story Behind the Film 
Deborah Ross broke free of Nathan Burris’ abuse and began a new life with her new man. But authorities say Nathan couldn’t get over his former girlfriend, so he stalked her until he killed her.

Authorities got the call on August 11, 2009. Nathan Burris had shot Ersie Everette in the toll plaza parking lot after slashing his tires. The shootings occurred at the Richmond toll plaza of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in Richmond, California.
Moments later, he gunned down Debbie Ross at work as she sat inside her toll booth.



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From the files of Traciy Curry-Reyes



An autopsy report stated that Ersie “Chuckie” Everette sustained gunshot wounds to the face and chest. The double homicide made national headlines. Nathan Burris planned the killings and killed the pair after lying in wait.

Though sentenced to death, he has repeatedly said he has no regrets about killing them. 

Nathaniel ‘Nathan’ Burris was sentenced to death and remains on California’s death row.

Nathan Burris Quotes


I don’t care about them. They are shot. They are dead … (Expletive) their families!”

“I’m ready to go.” (at the time believed to refer to his execution)


The cast of Loved to Death was saddened by this true story and was glad to bring awareness to the ongoing problem of domestic violence we face in America, particularly in the African American community.

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credit: TV One Promo



Editor's Note: This story presents the facts and information as they were known to me at the time of the original reporting.

Originally Published: July 21, 2019
Author: Traciy Curry-Reyes

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