Remembering Ennis Cosby: A Tragic Loss for the Cosby Family
Bill’s only son, Ennis Cosby, tragically lost his life in a senseless act of violence on January 16, 1997. Ennis, a 27-year-old doctoral student studying special education at Columbia University in New York, was on winter break and had returned home to Los Angeles to visit friends.
While driving home from his visit, Ennis experienced a flat tire on his Mercedes and pulled off the 405 freeway in the Sepulveda Pass to address the issue. It was there that he encountered a man who attempted to rob him and ultimately shot him in the head, resulting in his untimely death.
Ennis’s girlfriend, Stephan Crane, was with him at the time of the incident and witnessed the tragic events unfold. She described the harrowing experience of being threatened by the assailant before driving away and hearing the fatal gunshot that took Ennis’s life.
In the aftermath of his son’s murder, Bill Cosby shared his grief and the impact it had on his family. Ennis was laid to rest in the family’s garden in Massachusetts, a place where his spirit continues to reside and inspire his loved ones to carry on despite the immense loss.
The search for justice led to the arrest of Mikhail “Michael” Markhasev, an 18-year-old immigrant from Ukraine, who was convicted and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for Ennis’s murder. Markhasev’s trial revealed a chilling letter he had written from jail confessing to the crime and expressing remorse for his actions.
In a letter from prison in 2001, Markhasev extended a heartfelt apology to the victim’s family, acknowledging his guilt and the profound impact of his actions. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Ennis’s death, his memory lives on as a beacon of strength and resilience for the Cosby family.
Ennis Cosby’s legacy serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy. May his spirit continue to guide and inspire those who remember him with fondness and admiration.
