20/20 After Show: Diary of a Killer

Host: Debra Roberts
Guest: Taji Smith, Senior Producer
Date: August 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of the 20/20 After Show revisits the harrowing case of Angela Bledsoe’s murder in Montclair, New Jersey—a case that stunned a picturesque, tight-knit community and led to a rare international manhunt. Host Debra Roberts and producer Taji Smith reflect on the investigation, the family’s heartbreak, and shocking post-trial developments. The discussion offers new details, behind-the-scenes insights, and a focus on how such crimes upend families and communities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Community Impact and Personal Connections

• Taji Smith reveals her personal connection: the story “happened in my backyard. You know, Angela...could have been me. That could have been one of my girlfriends.” (01:30)
• The case shattered the sense of safety in Montclair: “It became so clear that it could happen to anyone.” (01:53)

2. Angela Bledsoe: The Victim

• Angela was a 44-year-old, upwardly mobile financial advisor with a young daughter.
• The hosts discuss her accomplishments and solid family background, highlighting the “tight, tight knit family … salt of the earth, just very humble, wonderful people.” (03:38)

3. Discovery of the Crime Scene

• Police found Angela shot dead on her kitchen floor. Immediate observations included a blood trail, a gun cleaning kit, and her cell phone left conspicuously on a stool.

• James Ray, her partner and the father of her child, was absent from the scene.

  “They have a dead woman on the floor... and there’s no partner, husband, there’s no one there.” (04:45)

• Authorities quickly suspected the crime scene had been staged to appear like self-defense or accidental shooting.

  “There was a gun cleaning kit. There were shell casings, three shell casings that were lined up next to each other...it felt a little staged.” (06:56)

4. The Suspect: James Ray

• James Ray was a respected former cop, Marine, attorney, and martial arts expert who “ran several businesses.” (10:20)
• He was still married when he began his relationship with Angela—a detail uncovered through text messages analyzed post-murder.
• The relationship was marked by growing tension, his controlling behavior, and Angela’s increasing complaints, which became important to investigators. (12:26)

5. The Investigation & Evidence

• Crucial evidence included Ray’s handwritten letter to his brother, framing the killing as self-defense.
• Investigators, however, doubted his account due to forensic inconsistencies—Angela was shot from above, in non-confrontational positions (18:01):

  “According to those authorities, there was absolutely no evidence that would suggest that this was a case of self defense. The evidence showed that Angela had been shot in her back...in her head...in her chest.” (17:27–18:02)

6. The International Flight & Extradition

• Ray fled, evading law enforcement through multiple states before reaching Cuba.

• His journey was documented in a discovered journal:

  “He lives as a homeless man in Philadelphia. He hitchhikes...ends up in Texas. He takes a bus to Mexico, and from Mexico, he flies to Havana, Cuba.” (13:21)

• His capture and extradition from Cuba marked a highly unusual turn for a New Jersey homicide case, as the U.S. lacks an extradition treaty with Cuba.

  “Nobody seems to remember any case where Cuba was involved...an apprehension, let alone the fact it was a homicide in one of the most affluent towns in New Jersey.” (14:06–14:14)
  “‘If you commit a crime in the state of New Jersey, we will not forget, we will not forgive, and we will find you.’” (14:31, Taji quoting law enforcement sentiment.)

7. The Trial and the "Diary of a Killer"

• At trial, forensic experts, including Howard Ryan, meticulously reconstructed the crime, disproving Ray’s self-defense claim.
• Ray’s calculated post-crime letters and journal entries further pointed to premeditation:

  “Very, very calculated case for self-defense, but the prosecutors weren’t buying it.” (19:14)

8. The Case’s Shocking Conclusion

• Ray was found guilty but, before sentencing, was found dead in his jail cell—suspected suicide, occurring ironically on Father’s Day.

  “James Ray isn’t—we think he’s dead. His family’s saying he’s dead.” (20:28)

• Under New Jersey law, because Ray died prior to sentencing, he was never officially convicted—an outcome that was painful for all parties:

  “She [prosecutor Michelle Miller] had to move to dismiss the case. And when I talked to her, and I quote this word for word, she told me it was the worst feeling in the world.” (24:41, Taji quoting Miller)

9. The Family’s Aftermath

• Angela’s daughter, now thriving and an honor student, was taken in by her aunt Lisa, exemplifying the resilience of the Bledsoe family.

  “Despite it all, you know, it speaks to the strength of the Bledsoe family and how close they were.” (22:23)

• The hosts reflect on the tragedy of a custody dispute devolving into homicide and the long-term impact on both families.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community Impact:

  “That could have been me. That could have been one of my girlfriends.” – Taji Smith (01:30)

• On the Crime Scene:

  “Detectives will talk about finding a scene where it doesn't look quite authentic ... clearly they could tell that it felt a little staged.” – Debra Roberts (06:21)

• On Evidence and Motive:

  “In this case, it was never a question of who killed Angela, but this was really about why.” – Taji Smith (02:38)

• On Angela’s Character:

  “She owned her own brownstone by the time she was 27… she was financially secure and she wants a family and she wants children.” – Taji Smith (10:40)

• On Ray’s Flight:

  “He takes this circuitous route... lives as a homeless man...ends up in Cuba.” – Taji Smith (13:21)

• On the Prosecution’s Pain:

  “She told me it was the worst feeling in the world.” – Taji Smith, quoting prosecutor Michelle Miller (24:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Personal Connection and Family Background: 01:30–03:38
• Crime Scene Discovery and Staging: 04:27–07:58
• James Ray's Profile and Relationship with Angela: 10:12–12:15
• Evidence and Law Enforcement Perspective: 17:27–20:08
• International Flight & Extradition: 13:21–15:14
• Shocking Twist—Ray’s Death and Legal Aftermath: 20:28–24:41
• Family’s Recovery and Resolution: 22:23–24:41

Closing Reflection

The episode closes on the enduring trauma faced by Angela’s loved ones and the dogged pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the prosecutor—even when justice takes an unpredictable, heartbreaking path. The story is a reminder that domestic violence can affect any community and that its aftermath reshapes families for years to come.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.