Raymond Ingram, a 51-year-old chef and owner of J’s Place Waffle House & Southern Style Cooking in Bakersfield, California, was shot to death in his southwest Bakersfield home on February 22, 2017. Known as Chef Ray, he was found dead there, and his death deeply affected patrons, staff and the local community. Friends, family and employees gathered at the restaurant after the shooting, and the business reopened two days later.

The Bakersfield Police Department identified 49-year-old Michaele Bowers as the primary suspect, and she was arrested on suspicion of murder. Bowers maintained she acted in self-defense, saying Ingram had been abusive and had threatened to kill her. Two trials ended in deadlocked juries; Bowers later pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and in October 2020 was sentenced to six years in prison. Family members testified about alleged long-term abuse, and supporters highlighted issues of domestic violence during the proceedings.

What details about Raymond Ingram’s life or the events leading up to February 22, 2017, might help shed more light on this case?