Montclair, New Jersey Attorney Convicted

MONTCLAIR ATTORNEY CONVICTED FOR THE 2018 MURDER OF HIS GIRLFRIEND

     " James Ray, III Will Face Life In Prison After Being Convicted Of Murder & Weapons Offenses For The Shooting Death Of Angela Bledsoe."

Monday, May 15, 2023, 6:41 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II reported that a Jury sitting in Essex County, New Jersey has returned Guilty Vedicts against a Montclair Attorney for Killing his Girlfriend and the Mother of his 6-Year-Old Daughter. 

     On Friday, May 12, 2023, Following a Six-Week Trial in Essex County State Superior Court, the Jury Deliberated for just 3-Hours before Convicting James Ray, III, 60, of First Degree Murder; Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; and Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Sentencing in the matter has been Scheduled for June 22, 2023, before The Honorable Verna G. Leath, J.S.C. at which time Mr. Ray will face the Potential Sentencing Exposure of Life in New Jersey State Prison.

     The Murder occurred nearly Five Years Ago in a home the couple shared with their Daughter on North Mountain Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey. On October 22, 2018, Mr. Ray, who was 55, at the time Shot Angela Bledsoe, 44, in the Chest, Face, and Back, according to Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, who along with Assistant Prosecutor John Petillo tried the Case for The State. Mr. Ray Shot Ms. Bledsoe shortly after she returned home from dropping their Daughter off at School.

     After Shooting Ms. Bledsoe, Mr. Ray prepared Several Documents and went to a Local Bank, where he withdrew Checks and Cash. Ray then went and picked his Daughter up from School and then dropped her off with his Brother at a New Jersey Restaurant. Ray then traveled to Mexico, where he Booked a Flight to Cuba. Ray was then Captured and returned to The United States by U.S. Law Enforcement Officials and has been Incarcerated since November 6, 2018, in The Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey. 

     On the day of her Death, Ms. Bledsoe had Scheduled a meeting with a Realtor to find a place of her own. She had planned on Moving Out of the house she shared with Ray.

FILED UNDER MAY 15, 2023: LAW, ESSEX: