ABC 20/20’s episode titled “Diary of a Killer” revisits Angela Bledsoe’s murder case by her longtime boyfriend James Ray III. The latter, a former marine and New Jersey lawyer was also the father of her child. The upcoming episode will air on the network this Friday, December 8, 2023, at 9 p.m. ET.
People Magazine reported that Ray fatally shot 44-year-old Bledsoe in their Montclair, New Jersey, home in October 2018. After murdering the mother of his child, he fled to Cuba. Prosecutors claimed the victim had been planning to move out and was going to meet with a realtor that same day. The killer argued that he acted in self-defense but was eventually convicted of murder. However, he died shortly before his sentencing in June this year.
James Ray III: When did Angela Bledsoe’s killer die?
The outlet reported that James Ray III died at the University Hospital in Newark after suffering a “medical emergency” at the Essex County Correctional Facility. A sergeant found him unconscious in his cell, after which they took him to the hospital, where the medical staff pronounced him dead. The incident occurred shortly before his sentencing for the murder of his longtime girlfriend, Angela Bledsoe.
CBS News reported that Ray’s lawyer released a statement, saying, “Yet another tragic consequence for James Rays’ children. What we know is that James Ray III has been confirmed deceased. Why and how and where exactly, WE do not have those details.”
The statement further said, “The Essex County Jail is the only one who can answer these questions, along with the Medical Examiner. What we do know is that another human being was not protected while in the care and custody of the Essex County Correctional Facility and their medical provider, CFG. We will await the administration’s explanation.”
According to Northjersey.com, Ray had previously admitted to killing Bledsoe on October 22, 2018, who lived with him and their six-year-old daughter. However the killed alleged that he shot the victim in an act of self-defense. He claimed that the latter picked up a gun that he was cleaning and pointed it at him. After fatally shooting her, the lawyer drove to pick up their daughter from school and dropped her off in the care of his brother. He then hitchhiked to Mexico and from there, he flew to Cuba where authorities arrested him on October 30, 2018.
The report stated that Ray wrote a confession note to his brother and made journal entries during his flight to Cuba. These entries detailed the Bledsoe’s killing, who died of four gunshot wounds, including one in the back. The notes and entries played a crucial part in his conviction.
Other testimony at Ray’s trial proved that he had carefully plotted his escape, per the New York Times. He printed out a will, typed a letter, withdrew cash, and wrote checks before fleeing the country.
Eventually, a jury found him guilty of a murder charge as well as a weapons charge. He was looking forward to a prison sentence of 30 years to life.
ABC 20/20’s episode on Angela Bledsoe’s murder case airs on Friday, December 9.
