</s>Velanti, Johnny Mo Pen XL-19 Ray and Velanti known to inmate Buddy, but not known to associate. Not known to capt. of guards. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains records related to James Earl Ray (referred to as "Ray") and his legal proceedings, including prison records, escape details, and interactions with inmates, guards, and officials. It includes information about Ray's incarceration at Missouri Penitentiary (MoPen) and Kansas City facilities, his alleged escape in April 1967, and subsequent investigations into his activities. Mentions of associates like "Willie Show" or "Glen Shurnick" are noted, as well as financial transactions involving money orders sent to Ray. Handwriting samples from Ray were analyzed for legal purposes, including a letter dated April 19, 1968. The records also reference prison escape procedures, inmate interactions, and legal filings related to Ray's conviction for armed robbery in 1959.  

Key People:  
- **Ray** (James Earl Ray) – Central figure; incarcerated at MoPen, involved in alleged escape plans and financial transactions.  
- **Ayers** – Multiple individuals with varying roles, including prison staff, legal representatives, and informants.  
- **Baker, Philip Lee** – Attorney representing Ray on habeas corpus matters.  
- **Burkhardt, Alfred** – Guard associated with Ray's alleged escape in 1967.  
- **Lauf, Harry** – Prison records officer who provided handwriting samples for analysis.  
- **Kepler, Dr. Earl C.** – Psychiatrist who evaluated Ray’s mental state.  

Key Locations:  
- **Missouri Penitentiary (MoPen)** – Primary incarceration site for Ray.  
- **Kansas City** – Mentioned in connection to Ray's legal history and associates.  
- **Fulton, Missouri** – Location of State Hospital where Ray was evaluated psychiatrically.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** – Associated with financial transactions and prison-related activities.  

Key Events:  
- **Ray’s alleged escape from MoPen on April 23, 1967**, involving a bread box plan and assistance from an unnamed inmate.  
- **Investigation into Ray’s financial activities**, including money orders sent to him by inmates and associates.  
- **Handwriting analysis** of Ray’s letters for legal proceedings, including a letter to Dr. Earl C. Kepler.  
- **Legal filings** related to Ray’s 1959 armed robbery conviction and pending motion to set aside the sentence.  
- **Prison escape procedures** documented by guards and staff, including the role of canteen workers in facilitating escapes.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Missouri Department of Corrections (MoPen)** – Managed Ray’s incarceration and prison records.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Involved in handwriting analysis and investigation of Ray’s activities.  
- **State Hospital in Fulton, Missouri** – Conducted psychiatric evaluations of Ray.  
- **Legal representatives and attorneys** involved in Ray’s habeas corpus cases and legal defense.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-43418_bulky_1_sec_002_ser_1_only-part_42_of_63.pdf

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