Montclair Man Allegedly Murdered Mother Of His Child: Officials

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair man has been accused of murdering the mother of his child in their home early Tuesday morning. He remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous, authorities said.

Police are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of Angela M. Bledsoe, 44, of Montclair, according to a joint statement from Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II and Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti.

A suspect, James R. Ray III, 55, has been charged with murder and “weapons offenses,” authorities said.

Ray and Bledsoe lived together and had a child, who is now in the care of family members, authorities stated.

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 injured from apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:17 a.m., authorities said.

Prosecutors charged Ray with murder and “weapons offenses.” He remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous, authorities said Tuesday afternoon.

Ray is believed to be driving a black, four-door BMW 328i with New Jersey license plate ZNX68M. Prosecutors provided the below photo of Ray (article continues below).

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.

This is a developing story. Patch will update this article if more information becomes available.

Reporter Kaitlyn Kanzler posted the below photo from the scene of the investigation.

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