</s>ME 44-1987 5 search recovered weapons in their possession. This was followed by white prisoners arming themselves which in turn was followed by a riot. Three Negro prisoners were killed and, in his opinion, by Ray if not knife them themselves he would who did did knife them. RAY not knife themselves he Negroses. RAY FAY talked to going to the Lake of the Ozarks when he got out of prison. RAV was particularly interested in Western Music and a number of orchestras from the Lake Of in Ozarks had played at the pentiary. DOWDA stated RAY's dope habit was costing him from $35 $40 per week for shots and he appeared to be well fixed and never wanting for anything. While in prison he was used amphelder wanting to give free photographs to main line and he had had RAY to look in an amateur to prison who needed a shot. NEAL ABBY was RAY'S closest friend in the Missouri State Penitentiary was responsible for bringing RAY in to the kitchen. ABBY, at this time, his chief cook. DOWNA claimed he had not been contacted to RAY and had heard nothing to indicate RAY had attempted to contact him. RRAY nothing to initiate RAY that attempted to communicate States but never mentioned anything to indicate Ray was associated with anyone in the Atlanta, Georgia area. JAMES C. FLETCHER, #27071 of the Missouri Training School of Men, had been in the Mississippi State Penitentiaries at the same time as a man, and then in Missouri State Pentitentiary from going back and forth to the dining room to eat. Everyone from going BACK to forth to his reputation as he had attempted TO know JAMES EARL RAY by his reputation As he had attempt to escape several times. April, 1967, 1967. FLECHTER reported RAY missing at the time of his the time to escape to L.F. L.T. BILLY TURNER. It was rumored at the time that was taken to the state of Georgia if he was successful in his escape. FLECHIER had no knowledge or information concerning RAY's current location nor had he been contacted by RAY since his escape. 70 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The text presents fragmented accounts of James Earl Ray’s associations with inmates, political figures, and locations during the 1960s–1970s. It references Ray’s alleged criminal activities, including burglaries in St. Louis, ties to George Wallace’s voter registration efforts in California, and connections to individuals like Eric S. Galt and Rita Stein. Testimonies from inmates such as Gann, Hurt, and Johnson describe Ray’s movements post-release, including travel to New Orleans and Los Angeles. The document highlights inconsistencies in accounts, such as conflicting names (e.g., “GAITH” vs. “GALT”) and unverified claims about his involvement in violent acts or political networks. While Ray was later convicted for Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the text does not provide direct evidence linking him to the crime but instead focuses on speculative associations with criminal and political groups.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Central figure; described as a former inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary and later associated with alleged criminal activities.  
- **Neal Abby**: Claimed to have been an associate of Ray during incarceration, though details are unclear.  
- **Dowda**: Mentioned in the context of prison life but no direct link to Ray’s alleged crimes.  
- **Fletcher**: Reported that Ray was released from prison and later moved to California, becoming involved with George Wallace’s campaign.  
- **Gann**: Stated Ray was a “burglar” who committed burglaries in St. Louis with others, including Franklin Dennis Rayne.  
- **Hurt**: Described Ray as having ties to criminal activity and possibly planning violent acts.  
- **Johnson**: Noted Ray’s movements post-release, including travel to New Orleans and Los Angeles.  
- **Eric S. Galt (GALT)**: Associated with Ray’s associates (e.g., Rita Stein) and described as a “regular customer” at laundromats in Los Angeles.  
- **Rita Stein**: Allegedly coordinated trips to New Orleans with Marie Martin at the St. Francis Hotel.  
- **Marie Martin**: Linked to Ray’s associates and activities in Los Angeles.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Site of Ray’s incarceration; interactions with inmates like Gann and Abby were reported here.  
- **St. Francis Hotel (Los Angeles)**: A hub for Ray’s associates, including Rita Stein and Marie Martin, who allegedly coordinated trips to New Orleans.  
- **New Orleans**: Mentioned as a destination for Ray’s travel, with ties to the Industrial Canal area and potential connections to criminal or political networks.  

Key Events  
- **Burglaries in St. Louis**: Gann claimed Ray was involved in burglaries with Franklin Dennis Rayne.  
- **George Wallace Affiliation**: Multiple accounts link Ray to voter registration efforts for Wallace’s campaign in California, suggesting possible ties to segregationist networks.  
- **Travel Movements**: Johnson noted Ray’s travel to New Orleans and Los Angeles post-release; Galt’s movements included trips to New Orleans, Texas, and Mexico.  
- **Fragmented Testimonies**: The text contains inconsistent details (e.g., conflicting names like “GAITH” vs. “GALT”) and references to unverified claims about Ray’s activities, including alleged involvement in burglaries, voter fraud, and violent acts.  

Key Organizations  
- **George Wallace Campaign**: Implied connection to Ray through voter registration efforts in California.  
- **Criminal Networks**: Speculative ties to groups involved in burglary or political activism, though no specific organizations are named.  
- **FBI/CIA (Implied)**: The text resembles historical records from agencies like the FBI, which investigated MLK’s assassination and tracked suspects like Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

157-tp-3231_629182_176-01-part_5_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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