Alleged Montclair Murderer Was Sued For Sex Harassment: Reports

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Authorities continue to search for a man suspected of shooting the mother of his child to death in their Montclair home earlier this week. James R. Ray III, 55, remains at large and is believed to be “armed and dangerous,” the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Wednesday morning.

Ray is accused of fatally shooting Angela M. Bledsoe, 44, at their home on the 300-block of North Mountain Avenue in Montclair during the overnight hours on Tuesday. Ray and Bledsoe lived together and had a child, who is now in the care of family members, authorities stated.

• See related article: Montclair Man Allegedly Murdered Mother Of His Child

Ray, a New York-based attorney, ran the firm of Ray & Associates, whose website states that he is also a "former boxing promoter, restaurant owner, and college professor,” TAP Into Montclair reported.

In 2013, Ray was accused of sexual harassment by a former paralegal after she claimed that he would repeatedly talk about polygamy to her, glare at her inappropriately and made unwelcome sexual advances during a mandatory business dinner.

According to court records, Ray settled the allegations with the paralegal for $35,000, NorthJersey.com reported.

Montclair police received a call to make a "wellness check" at Bledsoe's home on the 300-block of North Mountain Avenue on Monday night at 11:48 p.m. When officers arrived, they found Bledsoe suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:17 a.m., authorities said.

Prosecutors have charged Ray with murder and "weapons offenses." He is believed to be driving a black, four-door BMW 328i with New Jersey license plate ZNX68M. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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Photo 1: Google Maps

Photo 2: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office