“Diary of a Killer”: 20/20 Reports on Angela Bledsoe August 15 2025

On August 15, 2025, ABC’s 20/20 re-airs a gripping two-hour episode titled “Diary of a Killer,” revisiting the haunting 2018 murder of Angela Bledsoe. The case unravels the shocking story of a brilliant financial analyst and mother who was gunned down in her own home in Montclair, New Jersey. Her killer turned out to be her long-time partner, James Ray III—an attorney and former police officer—whose escape across international borders launched a rare and complex manhunt that captivated the nation.

The Murder of Angela Bledsoe

Angela Bledsoe, 44, was found shot to death in her home on the evening of October 22, 2018. Authorities arrived at the scene to find her body lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor, surrounded by shell casings and signs of a violent struggle. Angela had dropped her daughter off at school that morning, and it was the last time they would ever see each other.

The killer, James Ray III, had fled. He left behind a typed letter with his daughter’s belongings, delivered to his brother’s home, in which he confessed to shooting Angela. He claimed it was self-defense—stating she picked up a gun and tried to shoot him first. The details of the letter prompted his brother to call 911, setting the investigation into motion.

A Complicated Relationship

Angela met Ray while working at his insurance brokerage firm. A graduate of Florida A&M University, Angela was a high achiever with a successful career in finance. Ray, a former Marine and NYPD officer, had also earned a law degree. Despite their professional compatibility, their personal relationship was fraught with tension from the beginning.

Angela’s family and friends recalled her initial shock at discovering Ray was married. Though disappointed, she remained in the relationship after becoming pregnant with their daughter in 2012. In an effort to provide the best for her child, Angela later moved into Ray’s home in Upper Montclair. But over time, things deteriorated. Angela’s family described controlling behavior, infidelity accusations, and escalating emotional abuse. Angela had made clear to loved ones that she planned to leave Ray and was even working with a realtor to find a new home.

The International Flight and Capture

Following the murder, James Ray III abandoned his black BMW and vanished. He took a cab to Philadelphia and made his way to Mexico, then onward to Cuba—a country with no extradition treaty with the United States. As local authorities, the FBI, Interpol, and the Department of Homeland Security joined forces, an international manhunt began.

A major breakthrough came when Cuban authorities agreed to cooperate. FBI agent Brandon Lackey flew to Havana on Halloween 2018, where Cuban law enforcement turned Ray over. He was extradited to New Jersey and booked into the Essex County Correctional Facility. With Ray back in custody, investigators discovered an 18-page handwritten journal titled On the Move. The diary chronicled Ray’s escape and his account of the killing, offering critical insight into his mindset and alleged justification for the shooting.

Trial and Shocking Outcome

James Ray stood trial in March 2023. The prosecution, led by Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, painted Ray as a manipulative and calculated killer. They argued that Ray’s actions—fleeing, withdrawing cash, writing a will, and preparing letters—showed premeditation. The defense, headed by Brooke Barnett, claimed Ray acted in self-defense after years of psychological turmoil. Barnett argued that Angela had grown resentful and confrontational, culminating in the deadly altercation.

The jury deliberated for only a few hours before finding Ray guilty of murder. His sentencing was scheduled for June 2023, with expectations of a 30-years-to-life term. But in a shocking twist, Ray died just four days before his sentencing. Found unconscious in his jail cell, he could not be revived despite efforts using Narcan. The cause of death was not publicly detailed, but his passing meant that justice, in the form of a formal sentence, would never be delivered.

The Diary and Its Chilling Insight

Ray’s journal became a key piece of evidence in the case. Forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland analyzed it for 20/20, describing it as “part memoir, part spy thriller.” She noted the lack of remorse in his writing, and the calculated way he documented events, as though attempting to control how the story would be remembered.

In one disturbing passage, Ray wrote: “Out of reaction I fired in her direction and it seemed like I couldn’t stop firing.” The prosecution used the diary to refute Ray’s self-defense claim, contrasting his narrative with the forensic evidence and witness testimony.

Legacy and Reflection

Angela Bledsoe is remembered by her family as brilliant, kind, and deeply devoted to her daughter. Her death devastated not only her loved ones but the entire Montclair community. Her daughter, now 11, continues to grow up without her mother—and without the presence of the father who took her life.

The case raises painful questions about domestic violence, emotional manipulation, and the legal system’s ability to bring closure. Although the conviction was secured, Ray’s sudden death before sentencing left many feeling justice was incomplete.

ABC’s 20/20 episode “Diary of a Killer” presents the full arc of the investigation, from the murder scene to the courtroom, and the startling conclusion that left a legal and emotional void. It remains a powerful example of how tragedy, resilience, and international cooperation converged in the pursuit of justice for Angela Bledsoe