Morley G. "Buddy" Ray, a 39-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on April 7, 1978, in Pensacola, Florida. Deputy Sheriff Ray was working as a security guard at a Winn Dixie grocery store when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred during a robbery attempt by five men who entered the store with the intent to commit a crime. Upon seeing Deputy Ray, they approached him from behind and shot him in the back of the head, resulting in his immediate death.
Following the murder, all
five suspects were apprehended. The shooter was convicted of first-degree murder and initially sentenced to death. However, in 1982, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years. He remained in prison until his death on September 17, 2020. The other four accomplices faced varying sentences: two received life sentences, while the remaining two were sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Deputy Ray's death was a significant loss to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, where he had served for two years. His murder led to a thorough investigation and subsequent legal proceedings that ensured justice was served for the heinous crime committed against him. The community and his colleagues continue to remember and honor his service and sacrifice.
