Murderous Archive

The original caption reads: “Bodybuilder Craig Titus, left center, talks with a fan during the Arnold Fitness EXPO at the 2004 Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition in Columbus, Ohio, in this March 7, 2004, file photo. At right rear is his wife and fitness competitor Kelly Ryan. Titus and his wife have been charged in the murder and burning of the body of their roommate in Las Vegas.”

I pulled this from the archive last month because it was 20 years ago I made it as a very ordinary and innocuous photo of a bodybuilder and his wife at the Arnold Sports Festival. Titus finished in fourth place at the Arnold Classic in 2004. Ryan finished in second place at the Fitness International competition at the Arnold in 2004.

I’ve made many photos that are of little significance. This one was just a young married couple competing for treasures and recognition at the bodybuilding event that has the largest crowd in the world. They are talking with fans in a sponsor’s booth where they are greeted with awe and envy. A snapshot photo of no importance.

Until the subjects become suspects.

Less than a year after I photographed the couple in a booth at the Arnold Sports Festival and competing onstage during the weekend, both were charged in the death of Melissa James, their personal assistant.

Titus was convicted of second-degree murder, kidnapping, and arson. He was sentenced to 21 to 55 years in prison. He is still in prison.

Ryan was convicted of arson, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon, as an accessory to the murder of James. She was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 3-13 years each. She was paroled on the second sentence on 24 October 2017.

I also have photos of the two during competition at the Arnold. Those get the most attention because they show them at the peak of their athletic prowess.

My Final Photo News is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my photography and commentary, become a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe to The Westerville News and PhotoCamp Daily. My Final Photo News also recommends Civic Capacity and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.