William J. Billy Ray, 63, was found dead at his home on Hillcrest Drive in Natchez, Mississippi, on April 13, 2025, after deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive man. Investigators determined he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Ray was a respected contractor in the community, known for his work restoring historic homes.

Within 48 hours investigators followed digital forensic leads to a residence in West Monroe, Louisiana. A search warrant executed there on April 16, 2025, produced a loaded 9 mm pistol that was sent for ballistics testing. Devin Ray Wheeler, 28, of Natchez, was arrested during the search; he was initially taken into custody on an unrelated felon-in-possession allegation. Authorities identified Devin Wheeler as the primary suspect in Ray’s death and obtained arrest warrants charging him with first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm. His brother, Adam Cade Wheeler, was questioned as a person of interest and released without charges.

Anyone who knew William Ray, observed him in Natchez in April 2025, or has information about his death is asked to contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.