Biography
David Parker Ray, infamously known as the “Toy Box Killer,” was born in Belen, New Mexico, on November 6, 1939. His early life was marked by growing up troubled in a dysfunctional family with an abusive, alcoholic father—an alcoholic father. background is often linked to his later criminal behavior.
Ray’s criminal activities are believed to have begun in the late 1950s, with his most notorious crimes occurring in the 1990s. He kidnapped, sexually tortured and raped women in a the soundproof trailer he calls “toy box.” This cruel room was equipped with a series of tools designed for torture, where he subjected his victims to horrific physical and psychological abuse, and in some cases, potentially ability to kill.
The full extent of Ray’s crimes came to light in 1999 when one of his victims, Cynthia Vigil, escaped and alerted authorities. This led to his arrest and eventual conviction for kidnapping and torture, which resulted in him receiving a 224-year prison sentence. Despite testimonies and allegations suggesting he may have killed as many as 60 women, no bodies were found and he was never officially charged with murder.
David Parker Ray died of a heart attack on May 28, 2002, while in custody, shortly before he was questioned further by police.
American serial killer
David Parker Ray | |
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David Parker Ray: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
Real name: | David Parker Ray |
Stage name: | The killer in the toy box |
Born: | November 6, 1939 (age 54) |
Place of birth: | Belen, New Mexico, USA |
Died: | May 28, 2002 (age 62), Lea County Correctional Facility, Hobbs, New Mexico, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Education: | Mountainair High School |
Height: | not applicable |
Parents: | Cecil Ray, Nettie Ray |
Siblings: | Peggie Pearl Ray |
Couple: | Cindy Hendy |
Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
Children: | Glenda Jean “Jesse” Ray |
Job: | Serial killer |
Net worth: | $?? (USD) |
Early Life & Education
David Parker Ray was born on November 6, 1939 in Belen, New Mexico, United States. His early life was marked by instability and hardship, factors often seen as contributing to his later criminal behavior.
Ray is of white descent. Although his religious beliefs are not clearly documented, it is likely that religious activities were not an important part of his upbringing, given the chaos of his family life. .
His father, Cecil Leland Ray, was a mechanic with a history of violence and alcoholism. Cecil exposed David to sadomasochistic pornography at a young age, a formative experience that profoundly affected Ray’s psychology. Due to an unstable financial situation, Ray’s mother, Nettie Ray Opal Parker, left him and his sister, Peggie Pearl Ray, in the care of his grandparents, who took on the role of primary caregivers.
David attended Mountainair High School in Mountainair, New Mexico, where he struggled with social awkwardness, especially around girls, making him a target of bullying. This social rejection added to his feelings of isolation, causing him to turn to alcohol and drugs as a teenager.
After graduation, Ray joined the army US Armyworked as an auto mechanic and was honorably discharged. Although military service provided a brief period of stability in his life, it did nothing to address his developing sadistic tendencies.
Career
David Parker Ray’s professional life included many different roles, but it was overshadowed by his notorious criminal activities. After graduation Mountainair High SchoolRay pursued a career as an auto mechanic, a skill he inherited from his father. This expertise carried over to his time in residence US Armywhere he worked as an auto mechanic and was honorably discharged.
After his military service, Ray continued to work in the mechanical industry and then took a maintenance job for a company. New Mexico Parks Department. This role gave him the ability to travel and access remote areas – an opportunity he would exploit for his heinous crimes. His position gives him a respectable appearance, concealing the sinister double life he has lived.
Ray’s most infamous work was the construction of a soundproof trailer, dubbed the “toy box,” which he equipped with devices for sexual torture. He used this space to kidnap, abuse, and likely kill women, although the extent of his crimes remains uncertain. His ability to remain undetected for so many years may have been aided by the casual appearance of his work and lifestyle.
In 1999, Ray’s criminal activities were exposed after one of his victims escaped and reported it to the authorities. He was convicted of kidnapping and torture, receiving a sentence of more than 223 years in prison. Despite suspicions of multiple murders, no bodies were found and he was not officially charged with murder. Ray died in 2002 while serving his sentence, leaving many questions about his crimes unanswered.
Survivor
Yes, the victim survived David Parker Ray’s horrific crimes. The most notable survivor is Cynthia Vigil, who in March 1999 escaped from “toy box” Torture chamber at Elephant Butte, New Mexico. Vigil was kidnapped by Ray while working as a prostitute in Albuquerque. After three days of torture, she escaped while Ray left for work, overpowering Ray’s accomplice Cindy Hendy and fleeing to nearby residences for help. Her escape directly leads to Ray’s capture, his crimes being brought to light.
Another survivor, Kelli Garrett, was kidnapped by Ray with assistance from his daughter, Jesse Ray. Garrett was tortured but later released after being drugged, leaving her with limited memory of the ordeal. She reported the incident to the police, but initially, her statement was not taken seriously.
These survivors were instrumental in exposing Ray’s activities, although the full extent of his victims may never be known due to the drugs he used to erase his memories and the lack of physical evidence for multiple alleged murders. Their testimony helped convict Ray of kidnapping and sexual torture.
Personal life
David Parker Ray had four marriages, all of which ended in divorce, reflecting instability in his personal life. His first marriage included a confession to his wife of a murder in 1957, although details about his other marital relationships are limited. These marriages may have been strained by Ray’s dark and violent tendencies.
Ray has at least two children. His daughter, Glenda Jean “Jesse” Ray, became involved in his criminal activities, assisting in the kidnapping of a victim named Kelli Garrett. Another daughter is also mentioned, although specific details about her involvement or life are not widely known.
In terms of significant extramarital relationships, Cindy Hendy stands out. Ray met Hendy in Truth or consequencesNew Mexico, and she quickly became his accomplice.
Hendy participated in the kidnapping and torture of victims, including Cynthia Vigil, whose escape led to Ray’s capture. Hendy was convicted for his participation in these crimes but served less than half of his sentence before being released in 2019.
Net worth
David Parker Ray’s net worth at the time of his death is difficult to accurately determine due to the secretive nature of his financial situation, especially due to his criminal background. He had a legitimate source of income from work as an auto mechanic in the Army and later as a maintenance worker for the New Mexico Parks Department, which would have provided a modest income.
The extent of his financial gain from his criminal activities, such as potentially selling victims or other illegal actions, remains speculative without concrete evidence or public records. declare details. He owned property in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, where his crimes occurred, including the infamous “toy box” trailer. While ownership of this asset indicates a certain level of financial stability, it does not necessarily equate to significant personal wealth.