Clifton L. Ray Jr. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Baronial 5 Bar (4.125 × 5.5 envelope). Jefferson City, MO. April 9, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

The Shadows of Kansas City: The Crimes of Clifton Lee Ray Jr.

Clifton Lee Ray Jr.

Clifton Lee Ray Jr. is an American serial killer who has been linked to multiple murders in Kansas City, Missouri, primarily between 1987 and 1994. His criminal activities have led to his conviction for three murders, with suspicions surrounding several others.

Early Life

Clifton Ray was born on July 27, 1958, into a working-class family in Kansas City. He grew up in a neighborhood where his father worked as a used car salesman and operated various salvage yards. Ray attended a Baptist church during his childhood and participated in local sports, including Little League baseball. After graduating from Paseo High School in 1976, he briefly attended MCC Penn Valley before enlisting in the U.S. Marines, serving at Camp Pendleton for three years.

Criminal History

Ray's criminal history began to surface shortly after his military service. In 1979, he faced charges for rape; however, these charges were later dismissed due to lack of evidence. Over the years, he accumulated numerous arrests related to disorderly conduct, drug offenses, and violent crimes. Notably, in 1987, he faced charges of second-degree murder for Tonya Taylor's death, but the insufficient evidence led to his acquittal.

Confirmed Murders

1. Deborah D. Taylor: Investigators found Deborah Taylor strangled in a vacant field on December 11, 1987. DNA evidence collected from her body matched Ray's DNA years later.

2. Joycie Flowers: On May 24, 1990, Joycie Flowers was discovered dead in a homeless camp; she had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Semen found at the scene also matched Ray's DNA.

3. Bobby J. Robertson: In April 1994, Ray was convicted of murdering his neighbor Bobby Robertson by strangulation just days before he was eligible for parole on another charge.

Ray's pattern of violence escalated over time as he moved into the Royal Towers Apartments, where several suspicious deaths occurred among residents shortly after his arrival.

Convictions and Sentencing

In 1995, authorities found Ray guilty of Bobby J. Robertson's murder and sentenced him to prison. However, it wasn't until advancements in DNA profiling that authorities linked him to the murders of Deborah Taylor and Joycie Flowers in 2007. On October 3, 2007, authorities tried and convicted him for both murders, imposing a life sentence without parole.

As of September 2023, Clifton Lee Ray is incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center under ID number 51181.

Suspected Additional Murders

In addition to the confirmed murders for which he has been convicted, Clifton Ray is suspected of being involved in several other homicides during the same period:

• A stab wound killed Ernest Taylor, 66, in his apartment.

• Leroy Hightower (54) died under mysterious circumstances; no charges were filed against Ray.

• The same apartment complex where Ray resided found Mia Smith (29) strangled.

Authorities have speculated that there may be as many as six additional victims connected to him based on circumstantial evidence and patterns observed during investigations.

Conclusion

Clifton Lee Ray Jr.'s life story reflects a troubling trajectory from an average upbringing to becoming a serial killer responsible for multiple deaths through violent means such as strangulation and assault, fueled by substance abuse issues throughout his life.His case highlights significant concerns regarding criminal justice processes and how advancements in forensic science can lead to new convictions long after initial cases have closed.

Clifton Lee Ray Jr. is an American serial killer responsible for at least three confirmed murders and suspected of several others across Kansas City between 1987 and 1994.

Additional Note

Given the notoriety of Clifton Lee Ray Jr. and the rarity of such items, obtaining an autographed item from him would be considered a rare and potentially valuable collectible.

VIDEO: Clifton Ray: The Kansas City Serial Killer Who Terrorized the Streets - Chilling True Crime Mystery | https://youtu.be/Q9V1ox5sdAQ

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay-flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.