On October 22, 2018, Montclair Police responded to a call from the suspect’s brother stating he found a letter in his niece’s suitcase stating his brother has killed his girlfriend, who was the mother of the suspect’s child. The Montclair Police immediately responded to 304 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey. Upon arrival, the Officers located the deceased lying on the kitchen floor with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Montclair Lawyer, James A. Ray III, was the alleged suspect in the murder of Angela Bledsoe.
On May 25, 2023, Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller along with Assistant Prosecutor John Petillo, who tried the case, stated that this murder that occurred nearly five years ago and took place in the house where the couple shared with their 6-year-old daughter. The investigation showed that Ray shot Bledsoe right after she returned home from dropping off their daughter at school. Shortly after, Ray prepared several documents and went to a local bank, where he withdrew checks and cash.
Thereafter, Ray picked up his daughter from school and dropped her off at his brother’s restaurant. Ray asked if his brother could take care of his daughter and immediately left the restaurant. The investigation later revealed that Ray traveled through the Southwestern United States and into Mexico, where he booked his next flight to Cuba. On November 6, 2018, U.S. Law Enforcement took Ray into custody and was returned to the United States. Ray has been in custody at the Essex County Jail since then.
After a six-week trial in front of Superior Court Judge Verna G. Leath, the jury deliberated for just three hours before convicting Ray of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Prosecutor Michele Miller applaud the jury for their hard work and patience over the course of the 6-week trial and stated she was pleased to have Ms. Bledsoe’s parents in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Ray had a sentence scheduled for June 22, 2023, before Judge Leath. Ray faced the possibility of a life sentence in the New Jersey State Prison.
On June 18, 2023, a Sergeant found James Ray unconscious in his cell and immediately administered Narcan, which is used to treat those who overdose on drugs. Ray was immediately taken to the University Hospital in Newark and was pronounced dead at the age of 60. The Essex County Prosecutor’s stated they have confirmed the death of James A. Ray, III, though the cause and manner are not known. An autopsy is pending, and their Professional Standards Bureau is conducting an investigation.
