James Ray III, lawyer convicted of murdering girlfriend, dies whereas awaiting sentencing

A New Jersey lawyer who confronted a prolonged sentence for murdering his longtime girlfriend earlier than fleeing to Cuba 5 years in the past died Sunday after he was discovered unconscious in his cell, authorities stated.

James Ray III, 60, was pronounced useless Sunday at College Hospital in Newark, the place he had been taken following a medical emergency name on the county correctional facility, Essex County’s chief of employees, Phil Alagia, stated in a press release. The health worker’s workplace will decide the reason for demise and an investigation is underway, he stated.

Ray had been discovered unconscious in his cell on Sunday night, based on Jim Troisi, the vice chairman of the union representing high-ranking jail employees. A sergeant who discovered him administered Narcan, a drug that treats overdoses, earlier than he was taken to the hospital, Troisi stated.

Authorities stated Ray shot 44-year-old Angela Bledsoe in October 2018 of their Montclair house after she dropped their daughter off in school. Prosecutors stated she had been planning to maneuver out and was scheduled to satisfy with a realtor that day. Ray argued he acted in self-defense.

After the slaying, Ray ready a number of paperwork, withdrew checks and money from a neighborhood financial institution, picked up his daughter from college and dropped her off along with his brother at a New Jersey restaurant, after which fled to Mexico and Cuba, authorities stated. His life as a fugitive did not final lengthy — he was returned to the USA in November 2018 and has been in custody ever since.

Jurors deliberated for simply three hours final month earlier than convicting Ray of first-degree homicide and weapons prices, prosecutors stated. He confronted 30 years to life in jail, NJ.com reported.

“He was fairly stoic,” recalled Thomas Ashley, certainly one of two protection attorneys on the two-month trial in Newark. “He did not present any emotion.”

Raised in Brooklyn, Ray served as a Marine after which spent two years as a New York Metropolis police officer earlier than incomes an M.B.A. and going to legislation college.

Ashley advised NJ.com that he hadn’t met with Ray since his conviction, however he stated Ray appeared resigned as the decision was learn.

“This can be a tragic ending to a tragic story,” Ashley stated.