Sally McNeil is an American former professional bodybuilder who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 1995 shooting death of her husband, Ray McNeil.
Once a promising athlete who won bodybuilding competitions in the late 1980s, Sally, nicknamed “Killer Sally,” made headlines when she claimed she killed Ray in self-defense after years of alleged abuse.
She was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison in 1996. After several appeals, Sally was granted parole in 2020. Now 63, her story is being told in a 2022 Netflix documentary series called “Killer Sally.”
Though known for the high-profile killing, Sally had success as a bodybuilder, wrestler, and model during her career, amassing a net worth of over $800,000.
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Unknown |
Convicted Of | Second-degree murder |
Prison Sentence | 19 years to life |
Year Released from Prison | 2020 |
Why Sally McNeil Went to Jail?
Sally McNeil began serving a 19-years-to-life sentence in 1996 after being convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of her husband, Ray McNeil.
She was imprisoned at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California for nearly 20 years. Sally appealed her conviction multiple times on grounds such as improper jury instructions, and at one point was briefly granted a writ of habeas corpus before it was overturned.
She claimed she shot Ray in self-defense after enduring domestic abuse. Despite her pleas, Sally was unable to overturn her murder conviction.
After spending nearly two decades incarcerated, Sally was finally granted parole by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in May 2020.
Though she evaded a lifetime prison sentence, Sally’s murder conviction and subsequent incarceration remained a dark cloud over her legacy and a dramatic chapter in her complicated life story.
Sally McNeil Net Worth
Sally McNeil amassed a net worth of over $800,000 through her careers in bodybuilding, wrestling, and modelling. In her prime in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Sally won multiple bodybuilding competitions including the NPC USA Championship in 1988 and 1989.
Through competition winnings and endorsements, Sally earned a steady income. She also made money wrestling under the moniker “Killer Sally” and spent thousands to advance her husband Ray’s bodybuilding career as well, financing his steroids and contest entries. Though Sally lacked regular employment, bodybuilding and wrestling kept her financially comfortable.
Net Worth (2024) | $800 Thousand |
Source of Wealth | Bodybuilding, Wrestling, Modelling |
Peak Career Earnings Year | 1993 ($24,000 spent on husband) |
Highest Paying Job | Professional Bodybuilding |
Sally McNeil Son, Kids, and Husband
Sally McNeil had a turbulent upbringing, raised in an abusive household. Her biological father kicked her pregnant mother in the stomach. Her mother later married Richard Dale Dempsey, who also abused Sally throughout her childhood.
She found an escape through sports. Sally had been married twice before tying the knot with Ray McNeil in 1987. She had a daughter named Shantina from her first marriage and a son named John from another relationship. Her son was living with the McNeils when Sally killed Ray.
Stepfather | Richard Dale Dempsey |
Firsth Husband | Anthony Lowden |
Second Husband | Ray McNeil |
Daughter | Shantina McNeil |
Son | John McNeil |
Sally McNeil Height & Weight (In Competition)
As an elite professional bodybuilder in her prime, Sally McNeil had an exceptionally muscular and defined physique. Though she stood at just 5’2″, she was known within bodybuilding circles for her broad shoulders, massive arms, and chiseled quadriceps and hamstrings. With very low body fat, Sally would compete on stage at around 150 lbs to best showcase her symmetry and muscularity.
Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) |
Weight | 150 lbs (Competition) |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Unknown |
Build | Heavy Muscular, Low Body Fat |
Social Media
Given her high-profile case and time in prison, Sally McNeil does not appear to have any personal social media profiles on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
However, since the 2022 Netflix documentary series that examined her murder conviction and time in prison, “Killer Sally,” there are some fan accounts and online groups dedicated to discussing her story.
Sally has likely intentionally avoided social media, preferring privacy as she transitions back to regular life after being paroled in 2020.
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FAQs
She is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
She was originally sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.
Sally won the NPC USA Championship in 1988 and 1989 as well as the Ms. International competition in 1991.
Sally claimed she shot Ray in self-defense after enduring years of domestic abuse.
Sally spent nearly 20 years in prison before being paroled in 2020.
The 2022 Netflix documentary “Killer Sally” examines Sally’s conviction and time in prison.
Conclusion
In summary, Sally McNeil overcame a traumatic childhood to build a successful career in bodybuilding in the late 1900s. Her grit and athleticism earned her championship titles and bodybuilding fame.
However, her achievements were overshadowed when she was convicted of murdering her husband and fellow athlete, Ray McNeil, in 1995.