His father was a used car salesman and operated a gas station, as well as several salvage yards, where Ray also worked.
After his release, he moved into the Royal Towers Apartments and began training in heating and air conditioning repair.
Flowers was the mother of four children and served as a Sunday school teacher and choir director at her church.
[6][7] Ray became a suspect in the mysterious deaths of residents at the Royal Towers Apartments in Kansas City, which began not long after he moved into the building.
The charges were later dismissed, though police did have records showing that Ray sold Taylor's television to a pawn shop.
Hightower was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired officer for the Kansas City Police Department.
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.
He was later convicted for the murder of Deborah D. Taylor[12][13] Upon the sentencing, Ray has remained in various prison facilities.