David Parker Ray (1939–2002) was an American kidnapper and suspected serial killer based in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. He was arrested in 1999 following the escape of a captive woman. While he was never convicted of a specific homicide, the FBI and local law enforcement classified him as a serial killer based on diaries, video evidence, and the vast number of personal items found on his property belonging to unidentified women.


The "Toy Box" Facility
The central element of Ray’s operation was a $100,000 custom-outfitted semi-trailer parked on his property, which he referred to as his "Toy Box." The interior was engineered with specific modifications:

Soundproofing: The walls were reinforced to prevent any sound from escaping the desert site.

Medical Equipment: The trailer contained a gynecological exam table, surgical lights, and a wide array of medical instruments including scalpels, forceps, and saws.

Electrical Systems: A complex arrangement of wires and generators was used to administer controlled electric shocks to captives.

Psychological Aids: A large mirror was bolted to the ceiling directly above the restraint table, and a television monitor was used to play videos of previous victims.


Methodology and Captivity
Ray’s process followed a systematic protocol designed for total control and memory suppression:

The Introductory Tape: Upon regaining consciousness, victims were forced to listen to a several-hour-long audiotape. In this recording, Ray explained the rules of their captivity, the functions of the various devices in the room, and the futility of resistance.

Chemical Use: Ray utilized a variety of substances, including sodium pentothal (truth serum) and various barbiturates, to keep victims in a state of compliance and to induce anterograde amnesia, making it difficult for survivors to provide clear timelines to investigators later.

Accomplices: Unlike many solitary offenders, Ray frequently involved others in his activities, most notably his girlfriend, Cindy Hendy, and his daughter, Glenda Jean "Lulu" Ray, who assisted in the abduction and monitoring of victims.


Investigation and Evidence
The investigation began on March 22, 1999, when Cynthia Vigil escaped the trailer while Ray was at work. Upon raiding the property, the FBI recovered:

Detailed Ledgers: Ray kept meticulous records of his interactions with victims, often spanning weeks or months per individual.

Trophy Collections: Boxes containing jewelry, clothing, and identification cards belonging to dozens of women were found.

Human Remains Search: Despite extensive excavation of the surrounding desert and the draining of nearby lake areas, no bodies were ever recovered. Ray died of a heart attack in prison in 2002, shortly after his conviction, leaving the exact number of his victims unknown.