Shivangi Sinha
Raymond West had lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for many years and was well known and liked within his community. So when he suddenly vanished in July 1978, his disappearance caused immediate concern among friends and neighbors. Authorities were contacted, and after conducting searches, they discovered his remains inside his own home. Given that Ray led a quiet life and was not known to have any enemies, the brutal nature of his death left many shocked and confused. Netflix’s ‘Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders’ explores this case in depth, including the investigation and the suspects identified by the police.
Raymond West’s Remains Were Found in His Attic After His Friends Reported Him Missing
Raymond M “Ray” West was born on October 10, 1905, and spent his entire life in Missouri. He grew up in Wakenda, Missouri, alongside his parents, Andrew and Daisy West, with whom he remained close throughout his life. Ray eventually built a life of his own, working as a truck driver and settling down in Kansas City. Known as a quiet and humble man, he had many friends who appreciated his kind-hearted nature. He was active in the community, often helping out his neighbors and showing warmth toward children, earning the affection and respect of those around him.
By July 1978, Ray had retired and was frequently seen around his Kansas City neighborhood. So when he suddenly stopped appearing, neighbors grew concerned. They notified the police, who visited his home and found a handwritten note taped to the door. It was written on Lewis & Lewis stationery, a local tax service operated by James and LeAnn Lewis, another couple from the area. The note claimed that Ray had gone away for a few days and that anyone looking for him should contact James. When questioned by the police, the latter said he was simply relaying what he had been told. However, suspicions remained, and when Ray still hadn’t been seen even after three weeks, the police returned to his home.
This time, the police decided to force entry into Ray’s residence. Inside, they were met with a gruesome scene of blood spattered across the walls and ceiling, with a clear trail leading through the house. Following the trail, they found Ray’s dismembered remains hanging from a pulley in the attic. The advanced state of decomposition indicated that the 72-year-old had been dead for some time, and the exact cause of his death could not be determined. The brutality and mystery of the crime stunned the community and prompted authorities to launch an immediate and thorough investigation in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the horrific act.
Raymond West’s Murder Case Led to No Convictions
Since the note found on Raymond West’s door was written on Lewis & Lewis stationery, the first person police questioned was James Lewis. The latter claimed he knew Ray because the elderly man used to visit and play with his daughter, Toni, who had Down syndrome. After her passing, James said their friendship deepened and they spent a lot of time together. However, when investigators spoke to other neighbors, a different story emerged. Several residents claimed that Ray had grown uneasy around James and had even confided that his “tax man” was making him uncomfortable. This concern was part of why neighbors had raised the alarm when Ray disappeared.
The police discovered a $5,000 check made out to Lewis & Lewis from Ray, which they determined was forged. As a result, James was arrested on tax fraud charges while the murder investigation continued. During their search, investigators also found blood in the bars of soap in Ray’s bathroom, which were sent for analysis. One hair found in the soap allegedly matched James, and he was subsequently charged with murder. However, during the pre-trial hearing, his attorney argued that his Miranda Rights had been violated and that the evidence collected by the police was inadmissible in court.
Based on the ruling that his Miranda Rights had been violated and key evidence was inadmissible, the murder charges against James were dropped. He was instead convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, after serving just two years, he was granted bail. James continued to insist that he had no involvement in Ray’s death and claimed that the cheque in question was simply a small loan that he intended to repay. To this day, no other suspects or persons of interest have been officially identified, and the case remains unsolved.
Read More: James Lewis: How Did the Tylenol Murders Suspect Die?
