As of 2025, Sally McNeil is living a quiet life in Northern California. While she has remained out of the public eye for much of her post‑prison life, she occasionally participates in fitness podcasts and true-crime interviews, sharing her story and advocating for mental health and personal growth.
Her net worth is estimated at $600,000 as of 2025. This figure is largely based on royalties from the Killer Sally documentary, as well as coaching and speaking engagements. Sally’s financial security also comes from her modest savings and small investments built during her years in prison.
Sally McNeil’s life story is marked by both triumph and tragedy. Once a celebrated professional bodybuilder, she gained widespread fame in the 1980s and 1990s for her impressive physique and competitive successes. However, Sally’s life took a dramatic turn in 1995, when she fatally shot her husband, Ray McNeil, a fellow bodybuilder, in what she claimed was an act of self-defense after years of physical abuse.
The killing, which occurred on Valentine’s Day, led to a highly publicized trial that ultimately resulted in Sally’s conviction for second-degree murder. After serving over 24 years in prison, Sally was granted parole in 2020 and has since worked to rebuild her life. Her story gained renewed attention in 2022 with the release of the Netflix documentary Killer Sally, which examined the complex circumstances surrounding her crime, her time in prison, and the broader conversation about domestic abuse and justice.
Brief Introduction
| Birth Date | September 30, 1960 |
| Age | 64 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Bodybuilder, Fitness Personality |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Education | Completed high school in Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| Residence | California, United States |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Previous Partner | Previously married to Ray Mcneil (deceased) |
| Children | 3 children (Shantina, John McNeil, and another child placed for adoption) |
| Partner | Remarried to Norfleet Stewart (post‑release) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $600,000 |
| Social Accounts | Instagram: @sallymcneiloff |
Sources of Income
Sally Mcneil’s net worth comes from different sources that together created financial stability after her bodybuilding career. Understanding each part helps explain how she built her assets over time.
Bodybuilding Competitions – around $80,000 per year (peak years)
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Sally Mcneil competed in multiple bodybuilding contests. Prize money for placing in women’s events often ranged from $5,000 to $15,000 per event. At her best, she could earn around $80,000 in a competition-heavy year including winnings, appearance fees, and small sponsorships.
She also gained financial support through local sponsorships common among bodybuilders in that era. Even though female bodybuilding events paid less than male divisions, steady placements at regional and national contests provided consistent cash flow over several years, which helped her secure savings and stability at that time.
Fitness Coaching and Training – around $30,000 per year
After her competition days, Mcneil worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, mainly for private clients. The rate for specialized bodybuilder coaching often sits between $50 and $100 per hour and depend on experience. Working part-time with 10–15 clients could bring in $2,500 to $3,000 monthly or roughly $30,000 annually.
These coaching roles gave her ongoing access to fitness communities and allowed her to stay relevant after retiring from active competition. Her personal story also attracted clients seeking motivation and guidance in strength training and body transformation.
Documentary and Media Royalties – around $40,000 per year since 2022
The 2022 Netflix documentary “Killer Sally” revived interest in her life story. While contract terms are private, participants in similar docuseries often receive a lump payment between $25,000 and $50,000 plus small royalties from reruns or interviews. Media exposure increased her public visibility and likely led to paid appearances and interviews.
With new podcast features and streaming documentaries continuing into 2025, these royalties contribute a small but steady part of her income. Public interest in her story continues to create chances for speaking engagements and potential book deals.
Investments and Savings – estimated $200,000 total value
Over the years, Mcneil put money into small investments such as savings bonds and pension accounts from her earlier military service. Such accounts often grow at a modest rate but provide steady security. Considering her absence from high-paying roles, her personal savings likely form the foundation of her current net worth.
Her disciplined lifestyle and low-cost living routine after release from prison helped her preserve much of what she earned. Even small investments with a 3–5% annual return can sustain steady income for someone living modestly.
Early Life and Military Service
Sally McNeil was born on September 30, 1960, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a working‑class family, she found early success in sports such as swimming, diving, and track and field. After high school, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where she gained both physical training and mental discipline. During her military service, she became interested in bodybuilding, competing in military bodybuilding shows and earning local titles.
Her military career was not without struggles. Sally had disciplinary issues that led to a demotion and eventual discharge in 1993. Despite these setbacks, the time in the Marines laid the foundation for her future in bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding Career
In the late 1980s, Sally McNeil transitioned to professional bodybuilding. By 1988, she had won the U.S. Armed Forces Physique Championship (middleweight & overall). Sally’s success in bodybuilding competitions earned her recognition, particularly for her strength and muscular physique. Though female bodybuilders faced smaller prize pools compared to male athletes, Sally’s consistent placements at regional and national events allowed her to build a solid career.
Her competitive career took her to the NPC and IFBB competitions, where she placed in several events. Sally’s aggressive training style earned her the nickname “Killer Sally,” and she became a known figure in fitness circles.
Marriage to Ray McNeil and Family Life
Sally met fellow bodybuilder Ray McNeil in the late 1980s, and they married soon after. Together, they shared a passion for bodybuilding. However, their relationship became increasingly troubled. Reports from Sally and her children suggest that physical and emotional abuse were part of their marriage. Sally has described a volatile home life, exacerbated by Ray’s steroid use and violent tendencies.
The couple’s financial struggles led them to muscle-wrestling and “muscle-worship” sessions, where Sally participated in wrestling matches for money. This helped support their bodybuilding goals, but the stress on their relationship only grew.
The Murder of Ray McNeil
On February 14, 1995, Sally shot and killed her husband, Ray McNeil. She claimed it was an act of self-defense after years of abuse. The couple’s two children were present during the shooting. Sally’s defense argued that she was a victim of battered woman syndrome, which she claimed led her to fear for her life in the face of Ray’s violent behavior.
Her actions shocked the public, and the case quickly became a media sensation. Sally was arrested and later convicted of second-degree murder. The incident and the trial raised questions about domestic violence, self-defense, and the stereotypes of women who are strong or aggressive.
Prison Sentence and Life Behind Bars
Sally McNeil was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the murder of her husband. During her time in the Central California Women’s Facility, she kept in touch with her children through letters and occasional visits. Sally used her time in prison to reflect on her actions, working on personal growth and understanding the dynamics of her past relationship.
Despite her conviction, Sally became a symbol for discussions about domestic violence and the criminal justice system, particularly as a physically strong woman accused of violence. Her case also became part of a larger conversation about the complexities of abuse and the justice system’s handling of women who act out in self-defense.
Parole and Rebuilding Her Life
Sally McNeil was granted parole in 2020 after serving over 24 years for the murder of Ray McNeil. Upon her release, she moved to Northern California, where she reunited with her children and began to rebuild her life. After years of separation, Sally has reconnected with her children, Shantina and John, and has since remarried Norfleet Stewart.
Though Sally no longer competes in bodybuilding, she has remained active in the fitness community through limited coaching, media appearances, and speaking engagements. Her story has shifted from one of tragedy to one of recovery and resilience
The Killer Sally Documentary
In 2022, Sally’s life was featured in a Netflix documentary series titled Killer Sally. The three-part series delved into Sally’s marriage to Ray McNeil, the tragic shooting, and the social dynamics of her case. The documentary revived public interest in Sally’s story, sparking conversations about gender, strength, and domestic abuse.
Through the documentary, Sally’s voice was heard again as she discussed her past, her regrets, and how her experiences have shaped her perspective on life. The series also examined the impact of Sally’s case on true-crime culture and the intersection of domestic violence with sports.
Sally Mcneil Now
Sally McNeil lives in Northern California after her release on parole, and a 2022 Yahoo report explains that she works in a warehouse which provides her with steady income and a predictable routine.
She maintains a quiet lifestyle because privacy supports her stability after more than two decades in prison, and she prefers work that keeps her grounded instead of returning to public competition.
In November 2022, the Netflix documentary Killer Sally debuted and renewed interest in her life story, and the attention introduced her to new audiences who wanted to understand her past as a bodybuilder and the tragic killing of her husband. The documentary also created opportunities that include small fitness-coaching roles, limited motivational speaking, and guest spots on true-crime podcasts, which allow her to use her experiences in a constructive way.
Sally no longer competes because her age and her criminal history prevent a return to professional bodybuilding, and she focuses instead on mentoring people who relate to her lessons about trauma, discipline, and rebuilding a damaged life.
She remarried after her release and found stability with her husband, Norfleet Stewart, and she values her renewed relationship with her children as she works toward a more balanced future built on reflection and personal growth.
FAQs
How did Sally Mcneil become famous?
She gained fame through bodybuilding competitions in the 1980s and later through the high-profile murder case involving her husband, Ray Mcneil.
Is Sally Mcneil free now?
Yes, she was released from prison and has rebuilt her life since then. As of 2025, she lives in California and stays active in fitness circles.
What is the Netflix documentary “Killer Sally” about?
The documentary tells the story of Sally’s marriage and bodybuild career, and the tragic 1995 incident that led to her imprisonment. It covers her viewpoint and that of her family.
Does Sally Mcneil still work in fitness?
Yes, she continues to coach a limited number of clients and promotes fitness through small events and online posts and focus on health after hardship.
What is Sally Mcneil’s current net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $600,000 as of 2025, based on documentary income, fitness work, and saved investments.
Does Sally Mcneil have contact with her children?
Yes, after years of separation, she has reconnected with her adult children and maintain a close relationship with them today.
