Podcast Summary: 20/20 – Diary of a Killer (Rebroadcast)
Date: August 16, 2025
Host: ABC News
Main Theme & Purpose
This gripping episode of 20/20 unpacks the harrowing true crime story of Angela Bledsoe’s murder at the hands of her partner, James Ray, a respected attorney and former Marine. It follows the unraveling of their relationship, the chilling crime, the ensuing international manhunt, and the extraordinary legal aftermath. Through powerful interviews, forensic analysis, and exclusive access to Ray’s handwritten “diary,” the episode explores the question: Was it self defense or cold-blooded murder?
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introducing the Crime and Individuals Involved
- The episode opens with the dramatic murder of Angela Bledsoe in Montclair, NJ, detailing the shock it sent through the affluent suburban community.
- Angela Bledsoe: Successful financial advisor and devoted mother.
- James Ray: Respected New Jersey attorney, former Marine, ex-cop, described as charismatic but increasingly controlling.
“She was gunned down in her own house. It was a sensational case because of who was involved.” (A, 01:12)
[02:25] Setting: Immediate Aftermath & Discovery
- James Ray arranges a strange family dinner, then abandons his daughter with his brother Robert, and leaves a confession-letter in her luggage.
- Robert Ray, upon finding the letter, calls 911, triggering the investigation.
“It’s a one page typewritten letter telling his brother that something awful has happened... Robert Ray called 911.” (A, 06:54)
2. Personal Histories and Relationship Breakdown
- Background on Angela and James: Their initial “power couple” dynamic and eventual decline.
- Angela’s family and friends recall her ambition, independence, and early happiness with Ray.
“She was making more money in her 20s than her parents had made in their entire lives." (Unknown, 13:10)
[17:48] Revelation of Ray's Marriage
- Angela learned belatedly that Ray was still married at the start of their relationship, creating initial distrust, but she remained committed.
“It’s not in her character to date a married man ... but once you find out, you have a decision to make.” (Angela's sister, 23:45)
[21:10] Controlling Behavior and Signs of Danger
- As they cohabitated, Ray became increasingly controlling and paranoid—monitoring Angela’s movements, criticizing, surveilling her, and showing signs of unraveling.
“He became a little paranoid and he became more controlling after a while ... it sounds like he's unraveling.” (Angela’s friend, 37:22)
3. The Crime Scene & Ray's Claim of Self-Defense
[41:35] Processing the Scene and Ray’s Letter
- Investigators find evidence suggesting a staged scene: two guns, gun cleaning kit, hidden checks, and inconsistent blood evidence.
- In his letter, Ray admits to shooting Angela, claiming it was in self-defense during a dispute in which she allegedly grabbed a gun.
“Right there in the second paragraph. Ray saying he was cleaning his guns when Angela picked one up and was going to shoot him ... so he had to flee.” (Investigator, 43:30)
[50:48] Forensic Analysis Refutes Ray’s Story
- Expert analysis suggests Angela was shot from above, while on her back, and that the gun was placed by her body post-mortem; no fingerprints found.
- Three shell casings placed neatly on a tray—further evidence of staging.
“The gun was placed there after the blood ... So this looked like a staged crime scene to you?”
“Yes, it was.” (Crime Scene Expert Howard Ryan, 56:30)
- Ray, a trained police officer and Marine, would have the skills to defuse situations—making the claim of self-defense questionable.
4. International Manhunt and Ray’s “Diary”
[1:06:45] Ray’s Escape and Capture
- After the murder, Ray disappears with careful planning. He leaves checks for his daughter, takes a taxi to Philadelphia (ditching his car), and eventually travels to Cuba via Mexico, exploiting the lack of a U.S.-Cuba extradition treaty.
- The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and international authorities conduct a coordinated manhunt, ending with Ray’s arrest in Havana, Cuba, and his extradition.
“Captured on Cuban state television ... the arrest of James Ray. Seems Cuban officials wanted something in exchange ... so they ushered me towards the podium.”
“On behalf of the United States government, we are incredibly grateful for your assistance and your support in detaining him and getting him back to the United States.” (FBI Agent Lackey, 1:14:20)
[1:17:55] The Handwritten Diary: Inside the Mind of the Killer
- Among Ray’s possessions: an 18-page handwritten journal, part memoir, part crime novel, with names changed—portraying his account as self-defense and casting himself as a tragic protagonist.
- Forensic psychologist: Ray’s writing “is very calculated. There’s a definite urge to control exactly how people are going to understand this.” (1:20:40)
“He writes that this should be published and half of the proceeds can go to my daughter.” (ABC, 1:25:00)
5. Trial, Testimonies, and Evidence
[1:27:40] Delayed Justice & Emotional Toll
- Trial delayed over four years due to the pandemic; Angela’s family attends faithfully.
- Prosecution presents physical evidence, expert testimony, text messages documenting Ray’s controlling behavior, and Angela’s devastating entries from her own diary.
“Angela would complain that he was controlling and demeaning. He was sending her Bible verses on how a woman should be submissive to her man.” (Lisa Lebou, Angela’s sister, 1:35:10)
[1:38:48] Defense Strategy
- Ray’s lawyer, Brooke Barnett, attempts to cast Angela as the aggressor, suggesting she was manipulative, and even paints the investigation as incomplete.
- Bakari Burns, Angela’s friend and alleged romantic interest, testifies, facing character attacks.
6. Verdict and Aftermath
[1:55:12] Jury Deliberation and Verdict
- Despite defense arguments, the jury returns a swift guilty verdict after three hours.
“How do you find on the charge of murder? On the charge of murder, we find the defendant ... guilty.” (Court, 1:57:10)
- Family reflects on the bittersweet nature of justice.
“I felt relieved. I felt hurt. Who really won? ... Like, thank you, we're getting justice, but she's still not here.” (Angela’s family member, 1:58:30)
[1:59:22] Final Twist: Ray’s Death
- Days before sentencing, Ray is found dead in his jail cell—an apparent suicide.
- Due to legal technicalities, the conviction does not stand; charges are posthumously dismissed, compounding the family’s grief.
“What happens is the case is likely to be dismissed. Dismissed? Dismissed, yeah. After all of that... It’s like you’re back to reality that she’s not here.” (Legal Expert/Family, 2:01:30)
[2:03:45] Legacy and Resilience
- Angela’s daughter, now in the care of Aunt Lisa in Florida, is thriving despite the tragedy, a source of hope for the family.
“She’s super smart, just like Angela was ... In spite of all that loss, remarkably, she’s thriving.” (Lisa Lebou, 2:04:50)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the shock to the community:
“You expect a call from the city at some point. But getting a call from Montclair was surprising.” (Montclair Resident, 14:35)
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On staged crime scene evidence:
“Three shell casings right side up on the living room table. Something's not right here. Obviously someone had placed them there.” (Crime Scene Analysis, 56:45)
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On family grief and reflection:
“I still hurt. I still hurt as a father. I wasn't there to protect her.” (Mr. Bledsoe, 2:04:10)
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On the elusive nature of justice:
“Who really won? ... Like, thank you, we're getting justice, but she's still not here.” (Angela’s family, 1:58:30)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|------------------| | Crime Introduction & Family Discovery | 00:00 – 11:00 | | Relationship & Background | 13:00 – 37:00 | | Crime Scene, Investigation & Letter | 41:00 – 59:00 | | Manhunt & Diary Discovery | 1:06:45 – 1:25:00| | Diary Analysis & Trial Preparation | 1:27:40 – 1:35:00| | Trial, Testimony & Forensics | 1:36:00 – 1:54:00| | Verdict & Aftermath | 1:55:00 – 2:03:40| | Legacy, Daughter’s Future, Reflections | 2:03:45 – end |
In the Words of the Participants
Angela’s Family:
- “She was extremely protective of Alana ... she loved being a mother.” (Angela’s family, 28:15)
- “Every day we think about that girl. I still hurt.” (Mr. Bledsoe, 2:04:10)
Expert Witness Howard Ryan:
- “This gun was placed there after the blood ... So this looked like a staged crime scene to you?” — “Yes, it was.” (56:30)
James Ray (in his Journal):
- “As she continued to rant about all the dysfunctional things in our relationship, with a weapon pointed at me ... I remember feeling nervous and scared and out of options.” (from Ray’s diary, 1:20:40)
Overall Tone
The episode balances the analytical rigors of a criminal investigation with deeply emotional, human storytelling. It gives voice not just to experts and law enforcement, but to Angela’s grieving family, painting a nuanced portrait of loss, trauma, and resilience. The tone is contemplative, suspenseful, and ultimately somber—the tragedy of “justice delayed and denied” resonating to the last moments, as the family searches for hope amid injustice.
For listeners seeking an in-depth, emotionally resonant account of this shocking crime and its complex aftermath, this episode of 20/20 offers both chilling details and a moving tribute to those left in its wake.