RAY, ERNEST L.

Ernest L. Ray, 29, climaxed a domestic quarrel with his wife by fatally shooting himself in the head while she was in a nearby room, West Los Angeles police reported yesterday.

Mrs. Doris Ray said her husband went into the bedroom of their home at 3557 Stoner Ave., West Los Angeles, after they argued Saturday night [May 16, 1953] and shot himself with a 22-caliber revolver.

Ray, employed as a carpenter for the city of Santa Monica, was a war veteran and had suffered battle fatigue, his wife said. He left a brief note which said he was leaving everything to his wife.