American Homicide: S1:E7 – The Toy Box Killer, Part 2

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: Sloan Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the seventh episode of the first season of American Homicide, titled "The Toy Box Killer, Part 2," host Sloan Glass delves deeper into the chilling case of David Parker Ray, infamously known as the Toy Box Killer. This episode continues the harrowing exploration of Ray's gruesome crimes, the involvement of his family members, and the complex legal battles that ensued.

David Parker Ray: Early Life and Obsession

Sloan Glass begins by painting a portrait of David Parker Ray, a seemingly ordinary mechanic from Elephant Butte, New Mexico. [00:30]

“David Parker Ray grew up near Albuquerque. He was a bit of a loner who was picked on at school. He was estranged from his mother and only occasionally saw his alcoholic father. But he spent a lot of time with his father's true detective magazines. They covered crime stories, one of the first of its kind.”

Glass highlights how Ray's fascination with crime began in his youth, fueled by his father's detective magazines and a growing obsession with pornography. This obsession escalated into violent fantasies, setting the stage for his later heinous acts.

Family Involvement: Jessie Ray and Cindy Hendy

Ray's daughter, Jessie Ray, emerges as a pivotal figure in the narrative. Initially estranged, Jessie later becomes complicit in her father's crimes. [04:51]

Alex Tomlin: “I can't imagine what it's like to be the daughter of the embodiment of Satan. So I have to imagine her life was not an easy one.”

Jessie’s transformation from a concerned daughter to an active participant in her father's atrocities is both shocking and heartbreaking. Additionally, Ray's girlfriend, Cindy Hendy, plays a crucial role. Initially depicted as a victim, Cindy later becomes an accomplice, assisting in the selection and capture of victims.

The Toy Box: Modus Operandi and Victims

David Parker Ray's method of operation involved a homemade torture chamber known as the "Toy Box," situated in the remote New Mexico desert. Glass recounts how Ray and his accomplices, Jessie and Cindy, abducted, tortured, and often killed their victims. [02:15]

“With those victims, he would kill them.”

At the time of Ray’s arrest in 1999, he faced over two dozen charges related to the kidnapping and torturing of at least three known victims. However, Ray maintained journals and videotapes documenting the abuse of approximately 40 victims, many of whom remain unaccounted for.

Key Witnesses: Kelly Garrett and Cynthia Vigil

Kelly Garrett stands out as a primary survivor whose testimony was instrumental in bringing Ray to justice. Her harrowing account provides a window into the unimaginable horrors she endured. [07:38]

Kelly Garrett: “I have no idea. I just remember being in his house.”

Cynthia Vigil, another survivor, also played a critical role, though her testimony was complicated by her eventual death from a drug overdose before her trial.

The Investigation and Initial Charges

Following Kelly Garrett’s disappearance and subsequent survival, investigators unearthed damning evidence, including videotapes and physical evidence from the Toy Box. [12:12]

Alex Cross: “We saw all of the images. Now some of them were hand drawings of David's, some of them were actual photographs.”

Despite this, prosecuting Ray proved challenging due to the lack of bodies and additional concrete evidence linking him directly to all the claimed victims.

Trials: Evidence, Challenges, and Mistrial

The legal proceedings against David Parker Ray were fraught with obstacles. The prosecution's case heavily relied on Garrett's testimony and the video evidence. However, several factors led to a mistrial:

1. Credibility Issues: The defense questioned Garrett’s reliability, arguing that her memories might have been influenced by nightmares or substance abuse. [26:40]

   Sloan Glass: “I know that this is still a problem today...”

2. Evidence Exclusion: Key evidence, such as the initiation tapes where Ray detailed his plans, was excluded from the trial. [23:42]

   Alex Tomlin: “He played a tape that, in chilling detail, told them exactly what was going to happen to them.”

3. Trial Delays and External Factors: Multiple delays plagued the trial, including Ray’s health issues and the sudden death of the presiding judge, leading to a complete overhaul of the courtroom dynamics. A notorious incident involved a black bear breaking into the courthouse, adding to the case's bizarre twists. [36:00]

Ultimately, on July 14, 2000, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. [32:27]

Alex Cross: “That trial ended up in a mistrial.”

Aftermath and Ongoing Concerns

The mistrial left many questions unanswered, with Ray evading conviction despite overwhelming evidence. The episode underscores the systemic issues within the legal system, particularly concerning the credibility of victims involved in such traumatic cases.

Glass reflects on the broader implications, noting the persistent challenges in prosecuting cases where victims' credibility is unjustly questioned, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. [33:20]

Sloan Glass: “It's valid to question if that case were multiple women's bodies were found along a shoreline, would have been taken more seriously...”

The episode concludes with unresolved tension, as authorities continue to grapple with Ray's full extent of crimes and the psychological scars left on his survivors.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sloan Glass [00:30]: “David Parker Ray grew up near Albuquerque. He was a bit of a loner who was picked on at school...”

• Alex Tomlin [04:51]: “I can't imagine what it's like to be the daughter of the embodiment of Satan...”

• Kelly Garrett [07:38]: “I have no idea. I just remember being in his house.”

• Alex Cross [12:12]: “We saw all of the images. Now some of them were hand drawings of David's, some of them were actual photographs.”

• Sloan Glass [26:40]: “I know that this is still a problem today...”

• Alex Cross [32:27]: “That trial ended up in a mistrial.”

Conclusion

American Homicide: The Toy Box Killer, Part 2 offers a gripping and unsettling examination of one of America's most infamous unsolved cases. Through meticulous storytelling and impactful interviews, Sloan Glass not only recounts the grievous crimes of David Parker Ray but also highlights the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors and the ongoing need for vigilance in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

Follow American Homicide on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review to help others discover the show.