</s>King, Martin Luther Mopen X-39 Said to have been object of assassination plot, March 1965, Columbia, S. C. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail statements from multiple individuals regarding James Earl Ray’s behavior, interactions, and potential involvement in events related to Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Ray, incarcerated at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) and other facilities, was described by inmates and staff as a loner with drug use habits, financial frugality, and occasional hostility toward Black individuals. Several accounts mention Ray’s awareness of a bounty on MLK’s head, though some dispute his direct involvement in the assassination plot. Ray discussed potential killings of civil rights figures like H. Rap Brown and Stokely Carmichael, and referenced plans to flee to Mexico via Campeche Bay. Inmates noted Ray’s interest in smuggling, escape methods (e.g., bread boxes), and connections to drug networks. Some individuals speculated Ray might have acted alone or with accomplices, while others doubted his capability or motive. The documents also include prison staff observations on security lapses and inmate interactions, though no conclusive evidence of Ray’s role in MLK’s assassination is provided.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) and other facilities; described as a loner with drug use habits, financial frugality, and occasional hostility toward Black individuals. Mentioned awareness of a bounty on MLK’s head.  
- **Raymond Curtis**: Linked to Ray in some accounts; mentioned in context of potential involvement in crimes or escape plans.  
- **Carl Drake**: Inmate associated with Ray in drug sales.  
- **George Jones**: Allegedly helped Ray escape, per Bernard Poiry.  
- **Walter Nolan**: Speculated as a possible "brains" behind MLK’s murder by Bernard Poiry.  
- **John Stout**: Former guard at MSP; noted Ray’s behavior and smuggling activities.  
- **Harold Schaefer**: Guard who supplied drugs to Ray and observed his interactions with inmates.  

Key Locations:  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Primary facility where Ray was incarcerated; multiple inmates and staff provided accounts of his behavior and interactions.  
- **Campeche Bay, Yucatan Peninsula**: Mentioned as a potential hiding place or smuggling route by Ray.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Linked to Ray’s alleged drug activities and connections.  
- **Kansas City, Missouri**: Site of prior criminal associations with Walter Rife.  

Key Events:  
- **Ray’s awareness of MLK bounty**: Multiple inmates noted Ray’s knowledge of a reward for killing MLK, though some disputed his direct involvement.  
- **Escape planning**: Inmates and staff discussed Ray’s interest in escape methods, including smuggling items via bread boxes and potential routes to Mexico.  
- **Drug trafficking**: Ray was described as involved in selling amphetamines and other drugs within the prison system.  
- **Smuggling operations**: Mentions of Ray’s alleged connections to smuggling networks through Campeche Bay and interactions with Mateo Lopez Garcia.  
- **Inmate conflicts**: Accounts of Ray’s alleged fights, drug use, and interactions with other inmates like Neal Aeby.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Prison staff and guards**: Provided observations on security lapses, Ray’s behavior, and inmate interactions.  
- **Black Muslims**: Identified as a "hate" group within the prison system, though not directly linked to Ray’s activities.  
- **Drug networks**: Implied connections between Ray and broader criminal operations involving smuggling and drug sales.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-43418_bulky_1_sec_002_ser_1_only-part_41_of_63.pdf

Document Summary

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