Clifton Lee Ray

Serial Killer

Clifton Lee Ray Jr.: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Background

Clifton Lee Ray Jr. was born on July 27, 1958, in the United States. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. His father was a used car salesman who also operated a gas station and several salvage yards, where Ray occasionally worked. He attended a Baptist church, played on their little league team, and was an average student who participated in football. After graduating from Paseo High School in 1976, Ray briefly attended MCC Penn-Valley before joining the U.S. Marines, where he served for three years at Camp Pendleton. Upon his discharge, he returned home and worked various odd jobs. In 1979, he was arrested for rape, but the charge was later dismissed. Ray later enrolled in Langston University, where he was charged with snatching a woman's purse. He married a woman he had known since high school, and they had four children together.

Criminal Activities and Arrests

Ray's criminal record began to accumulate with various charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, drugs, indecent exposure, rape, and murder. Despite these numerous arrests, he often managed to avoid lengthy prison sentences. In 1992, Ray sought treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. After his release, he moved into the Royal Towers Apartments and began training in heating and air conditioning repair.

Confirmed Victims

• Deborah D. Taylor: On December 11, 1987, Deborah Taylor was found strangled to death in a vacant field. She was fully clothed, but DNA recovered from her thigh and a tissue nearby was matched to Ray in 2003. Taylor attended Pittsburg State University and was a mother of two daughters.
• Joycie Flowers: On May 24, 1990, Joycie Flowers, 41, was found dead in a homeless camp in Kansas City. She was naked, except for a sock, with bite marks from rats on her body. Semen discovered inside her body and mouth was later tested and matched to Ray. Flowers was the mother of four children and served as a Sunday school teacher and choir director at her church.
• Bobby J. Robertson: On April 27, 1994, Bobby J. Robertson, 68, was found strangled to death in his fourth-floor studio apartment. Ray was charged with first-degree murder the following day; police stated he forced his way into Robertson's apartment, strangled him, and stole his money.

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Confirmed Victims: (3)

Deborah Taylor Age: (27), Date of Death: 1987-12-11

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Suspected Victims:

Ernest Taylor Age: (66), Date of Death: 1993-12-08

Leroy Hightower Age: (54), Date of Death: 1993-12-08

Mia Smith Age: (29), Date of Death: 1994-03-30

Clifton Ray - Wikipedia

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