Melissa James

Melissa James was the personal assistant to former bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan.

In December of 2005, James was murdered. Her body was found in a burned car outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

On May 30, 2008, Titus plead guilty for arson, kidnapping and second degree murder of James. Ryan plead guilty for arson.

It was always believed that Titus killed the assistant and Ryan tried to cover up the murder.

They are set to be sentenced on July 15, 2008. Titus faces up to 55 years in prison. Ryan faces two to 15 years in prison.

Fast Facts

1. Born: March 23, 1977
2. Age 28
3. Murdered in December 2005
4. Became friends with Craig Titus in 2001
5. Former personal assistant to Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan

Murder and Motive

When the couple were first arrested, they claimed that James died from an overdose and panicked. They burned her body in the car. They left town because they were afraid that her death would hurt their careers.

Prosecutors believe that a stun gun was used and they gave James morphine or a similar drug.

James' cause of death was not determined by the coroner, but it is believed that she died from asphyxiation.

Titus and Ryan said that James was looting their bank accounts when she was taken into their home to help manage a fitness clothing business that they planned on starting.

Craig Titus also claimed that he had an affair with James and his wife did not know about it.

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