</s>ME 44-1987 Indiana State Penitentiary. He claims to have last seen the subject some 2 to 4 years ago when the subject subject to at the Missouri State Penitentialary, he claims the Missouri state Penitentiaries at the subject at that he claims to have him prior to that time about 15 years ago at which time the U.S. Army. time about just been discharged from the U. S. Army, just been discharged from the JOHN will admit to having visited the subject at the MSP only 3 or 4 times. records reflect visits by JOHN on the MSP following dates: 10/17/62 10/7/62 7/1/63 11/11/63 5/6/63 11/1 /63 11/13/66 12/1//66 12/22/66 12/2/66 22/27/67 It should be noted that this last visit on April 22, 1967, occurred on the day prior to the 1967, courrounded on April 23, 1967; however, JOHN RAY denies having had any part in the subject's escape. JOHN RAY has expressed the belief that the subject had money in his possession when he subject had Money in the possession when the of amphetamines while the subject was in sale of the MPS. JOHN has also stated that he the MSP. JOHN was also stated he believes the MPSI. JOHN HAS also stated his believes the subject reportedly told him that he would do this if he ever got out of prison. JOHN denies having seen the object since the subject's escaping and claims to HAVE no information concerning his whereabouts. 41 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains fragmented accounts of James Earl Ray’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary between 1959 and 1968, detailing his interactions with inmates, alleged activities such as selling amphetamines, and escape attempts. Inmates described Ray as a quiet, racist individual with ties to smuggling operations in Mexico and potential involvement in violent acts. Some accounts suggest Ray discussed a bounty on Martin Luther King Jr.’s head but provided no direct evidence of his participation in the assassination plot. The text also references a 1967 riot at Missouri State Penitentiary linked to disputes over religious services for Black Muslims, which resulted in three prisoner deaths. Inmates noted Ray’s alleged drug use, paranoia about informants, and plans to flee to Mexico with funds from smuggling activities. Other records mention Ray’s connections to individuals associated with Dr. King, though no conclusive evidence of his involvement in the assassination is provided.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Alleged assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., described by inmates as a loner, drug user, and escape planner.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Spouse of Albert Pepper, sister of James Earl Ray; linked to prison transactions and interactions with Ray.  
- **Frank Delano Ryan**: Killed in 1963; mentioned in context of Ray’s family connections.  
- **Melba Marie Ryan**: Sister of James Earl Ray; associated with prison-related activities.  
- **Susan Donian**: Sister of James Earl Ray; referenced in inmate accounts.  
- **Ruby Carpenter**: Stepmother of James Earl Ray; noted in prison records.  
- **William B. Maher**: Uncle of James Earl Ray; mentioned in inmate statements.  
- **John Ray**: Brother of James Earl Ray; referenced in prison interactions.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Brother of James Earl Ray; associated with prison activities.  
- **Sterling Junior Jimmy Carpenter**: Inmate who described Ray as a loner with no close associates.  
- **Cecil Clayton Lillitrige**: Inmate who reported Ray’s plan to flee to Mexico with $20,000–$30,000 and his association with a smuggler in Campachee, Mexico.  
- **Paul Alvin Lali**: Inmate who met Ray at Missouri State Penitentiary; claimed he was associated with narcotics and smuggling operations in Mexico.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration; inmates described his interactions and activities here.  
- **Campachee Bay, Mexico**: Mentioned as a potential hiding place for Ray, associated with smuggling operations.  
- **Torreon, Mexico**: Referenced in discussions about Ray’s travel plans.  
- **Joplin, Missouri**: Linked to an individual Ray allegedly worked with in furnace and heating businesses.  
- **Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary (Kansas)**: Mentioned as a facility where some inmates were housed.  
- **St. Francis Hotel (Los Angeles, California)**: Site of interactions involving Eric S. GALT and Marie Martin.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s Escape Attempt (April 1967)**: Inmates discussed his escape plans and alleged assistance from others, though no confirmed details are provided.  
- **Alleged Smuggling Operations**: Ray was associated with a smuggler in Campachee, Mexico, who operated a fishing boat for transporting goods from Texas.  
- **Discussions About Dr. King’s Assassination**: Some inmates mentioned Ray’s potential involvement or knowledge of the assassination, though no direct evidence is provided.  
- **1967 Riot at Missouri State Penitentiary**: Triggered by disputes over religious services for Black Muslims, resulting in three prisoner deaths.  
- **Drug Sales Allegations**: Multiple inmates claimed Ray sold amphetamines and other stimulants to fellow prisoners.  

Key Organizations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central institution where Ray was incarcerated and interacted with other inmates.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Mentioned in the context of inquiries into Ray’s whereabouts and activities.  
- **Black Muslims**: Referenced in the context of a 1967 religious services dispute leading to a riot at Missouri State Penitentiary.  
- **Prison Inmate Networks**: Described as facilitating drug sales, escape plans, and informal economic systems (e.g., commissary chits).

MLK Declassified Files

157-nh-818_626213_20-02-part_3_of_6.pdf

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