ARREST MADE IN INFANT DEATH

On 12-6-08, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to Munroe Regional Medical Center in reference to a suspicious incident involving the passing of a two-year-old infant named Faith Ray. It started on 12-5-08 at 9:18 PM when deputies responded to 10694 SE 90th Court in reference to a 9-1-1 hang up. The mother, Violet Ray, stated that one of her children must have dialed it after getting scared when sibling Faith Ray slipped and fell on the kitchen floor. Deputies checked on the baby who was asleep in the arms of an adult and saw no outward signs of injury, but insisted that the child be taken to the hospital to be examined. Violet Ray ensured the officer that they would start getting dressed to take the victim in to be checked out and they all stood up as if they were getting ready to leave.

It was not until 4:45 AM on 12-6-08 when Violet Ray dialed 9-1-1 because her child, Faith Ray, was not breathing. The emergency room doctor reported that the victim suffered from a brain bleed which was life threatening, as well as having multiple bruising on her arms, chest and legs.

After the passing of Faith Ray, the Medical Examiners Office completed their examination and concluded that the death was a homicide. After a lengthy investigation and review by a Grand Jury, an indictment for Violet Ray was handed down and she was subsequently arrested.

Arrested: W/F Violet Love Ray, D.O.B. 4-5-74

10694 SE 90TH Court

Belleview, FL

Charge: 1st Degree murder

Aggravated child abuse

Child neglect

Bond: None

ED DEAN, SHERIFF

James M. Pogue, Captain

Information Services Division

Phone: 352-368-3594

Cell: 352-266-7048

Fax: 352-369-6744 Crime Stoppers Tip$ Hotline:

368-STOP (7867)

E-mail: jpogue@marionso.com