The Tragic Story of Sally McNeil: Bodybuilder, Marine, Convict
Sally McNeil, a former U.S. Marine and champion bodybuilder, gained notoriety following the Valentine's Day 1995 shooting death of her husband, Ray McNeil. Her story, including her insistence that the killing was self-defense, was later explored in the 2022 documentary “Killer Sally.” After dropping out of college, McNeil joined the Marine Corps, rising to Sergeant, and had two children with her first husband, Anthony Lowden, before their divorce in 1987. Relocating to California, she began a successful bodybuilding career, winning two championships and placing fourth in a U.S. Armed Service Physique Championship. She left the Marines in 1993 to focus on bodybuilding, also venturing into wrestling videos and starting a production company.
However, McNeil had a documented history of violent outbursts, including attacking a woman who allegedly flirted with Ray and engaging in a physical altercation with police officers. She married fellow bodybuilder Ray McNeil in 1987, just two months after meeting. Their marriage was plagued by financial difficulties and severe domestic violence. Sally claimed Ray frequently abused her, citing incidents where he allegedly punched her, choked her, and even broke her nose in front of her children.
On the evening of Ray's murder, an argument ensued when he arrived home late for their Valentine's Day celebration. Sally claimed Ray attacked and choked her, leading her to fear for her life. She retrieved a loaded shotgun from her bedroom and shot him twice – once in the abdomen and once in the head. In her 911 call, she stated, “I just shot my husband because he just beat me up.” Ray died at the hospital. At her trial, prosecutors used her violent past and bodybuilding strength against her, arguing premeditation due to an alleged affair. Despite her self-defense plea, McNeil was convicted of second-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to 19 years to life.
Her conviction was initially overturned on appeal in 2003 but reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2005. After serving 25 years in prison, Sally McNeil was granted parole on May 29, 2020.
Her life story has captivated audiences, making pop culture Sally McNeil a notable figure in discussions about the intersection of sports, crime, and media representation.
