Lawyer Sentenced for Murdering Girlfriend Found Dead in Jail Cell

James Ray III, a former New Jersey police officer and lawyer facing life in prison for murdering his girlfriend, was found dead in his jail cell.
Ray was convicted of shooting and killing his girlfriend, Angela Bledsoe, in 2018 after she planned to move out and meet with a realtor.
Ray was found unconscious in his cell at Essex County Correctional Facility and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The cause of Ray's death is still under investigation pending the results of an autopsy.
Ray's jail has faced scrutiny over violent incidents, including a previous detainee death and the severe beating of another detainee.