Homicide in Montclair Claims the Life of 44-Year-Old Woman; Child’s Father At-Large

NEWARK, NJ – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Montclair Police

Chief Todd Conforti announced today that the Montclair Police Department and the Essex

County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the fatal

shooting of Angela M. Bledsoe, 44, of Montclair.

She was pronounced dead at her home in the 300 block of North Mountain Avenue in Montclair

at 1:17 am today.

Yesterday, at approximately 11:48 p.m. Montclair Police received a call to make a wellness

check at the home. When they arrived, they discovered the victim suffering from apparent

gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Authorities are charging James R. Ray, III, 55, with murder and weapons offenses. Ray and

Bledsoe lived together and had a child in common. The child is in the care of family members.

Ray remains at-large. He is believed to be armed and dangerous.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office

Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.