The Murders of Carla Cannon and Mona King: A Tragic Case of Betrayal in Colorado Springs
Two Sisters, Two Different Lives
Mona King and Carla Cannon were sisters who grew up on a farm in Kansas but eventually found themselves living in Colorado Springs. While they shared a familial bond, their personalities and lifestyles were vastly different. Mona was the younger sister, described as wholesome, quiet, and conservative. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Ray King, and cherished her role as a homemaker and mother to their five-year-old daughter, Tara. Carla, on the other hand, was the older sister who embraced an outgoing lifestyle. Recently divorced from her husband, Donald Cannon, Carla moved in with Mona and Ray while she figured out her next steps. She enjoyed the nightlife, frequenting country bars for dancing and drinks, and she encouraged Mona to step out of her comfort zone and experience more of what life had to offer.
Marital Troubles and a Shocking Discovery
Carla's influence on Mona soon became a point of contention in Mona and Ray's marriage. As Mona began to accompany Carla on nights out, her relationship with Ray deteriorated, leading to a separation where Ray moved out of their home. The couple shared custody of their daughter, Tara. The situation took a tragic turn on March 25, 1985. Ray's father, Cecil King, grew concerned when Ray failed to drop Tara off as planned. Cecil went to Mona's house to check on her and made a horrifying discovery—a woman's body lying on the kitchen floor. He immediately contacted the police, setting off an investigation into a devastating double homicide.
The Investigation and Arrest
When Detective Joe Kenda arrived at the scene, he found the bodies of both Carla and Mona. Carla had sustained five gunshot wounds, and Mona had been shot seven times. The presence of twelve empty bullet casings neatly piled on a stereo console suggested the killer had used a revolver, reloaded, and deliberately left the casings behind. Initially, the investigation explored various leads, including Carla's ex-husband and men she had interacted with at local bars. However, the focus soon shifted back to Ray. Detectives discovered that Mona had recently changed the locks on her house out of fear of her husband. Furthermore, two 22-caliber revolvers were missing from the home where Ray had been staying. A statewide search ensued, leading to Ray's arrest. He was found with the missing revolvers, ammunition, and dried blood on his cowboy boots. Ray was ultimately charged and found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, receiving two consecutive life sentences for the senseless killing of his wife and sister-in-law.
Sources:
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/homicide-hunter-joe-kenda/full-episodes/blood-sisters - Homicide Hunter: Joe Kenda ? Blood Sisters
http://www.allreadable.com/ade63Zvn - transcript of Homicide Hunter episode
https://www.leagle.com/decision/19901381785p2d59611374
https://newspaperarchive.com/colorado-springs-gazette-telegraph-nov-01-1985-p-17/ - Newspaper archives