The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on interactions with James Earl Ray, Russell Thompson, John McFerrin, and others. Ray was interviewed in March 1969 at Tennessee State Prison, Nashville, where he refused to discuss alleged conspiracies related to MLK’s death. SAC Robert J. Jensen coordinated these interviews and noted Ray’s reluctance to engage further, leading to a decision not to pursue additional contacts without prior approval. The FBI also explored book projects with Jim Bishop and Reader’s Digest. Russell Thompson, a Memphis attorney, contacted the FBI in 1968-1969 about potential information but claimed no new details existed. John McFerrin alleged overheard conversations at L.L. & L. Produce Company in Memphis on April 4, 1968, involving a white man with a scar and plans to assassinate King, including a $5,000 reward. The FBI interviewed produce company owners Frank Canillo Liberto and James William Latch, who denied involvement but mentioned discussions about large sums of money. Investigations into McFerrin’s claims concluded further inquiries were unnecessary. Ray’s correspondence with Senator Eastland referenced his guilty plea for the crime, claims of coercion by an attorney (Foreman), and conspiracy allegations involving public figures. The FBI also discussed potential grand jury testimony involving Ray and emphasized confidentiality to avoid media interference.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Interviewed in 1969; identified as the assassin via fingerprint evidence on April 11, 1968.  
- **Russell Thompson**: Memphis attorney who contacted FBI regarding potential information about the assassination.  
- **John McFerrin**: Civil rights activist who alleged overheard conversations at L.L. & L. Produce Company involving plans to assassinate MLK.  
- **Frank Canillo Liberto**: Owner of L.L. & L. Produce Company, interviewed by FBI.  
- **James William Latch**: Co-owner of the produce company, denied involvement in the assassination.  
- **Robert J. Jensen**: SAC for Memphis office, coordinated interviews with Thompson and Ray.  
- **Jerriis Leonard**: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, involved in discussions about grand jury testimony.  
- **Owen**: Deputy Assistant Attorney General, requested updates on Ray’s interview status.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of L.L. & L. Produce Company and Thompson’s law practice.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Location of Tennessee State Penitentiary where Ray was interviewed in 1969.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Mentioned as a location with potential evidence or witnesses.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Referenced in context of unexplored evidence.  

Key Events  
- **March 14, 1969**: FBI planned meetings with Russell Thompson in Memphis and James Earl Ray in Nashville to gather information on the assassination.  
- **April 11, 1968**: James Earl Ray was identified as the assassin via fingerprint evidence.  
- **April 4, 1968**: John McFerrin alleged overheard conversations at L.L. & L. Produce Company involving plans to assassinate MLK.  
- **September 16, 1960**: SAC Jensen interviewed Ray at Tennessee State Penitentiary; subsequent discussions with Assistant Attorney General Jerriis Leonard about potential grand jury testimony.  
- **Confidentiality Measures**: FBI emphasized avoiding public disclosure of interviews to prevent media interference and ensure Ray’s cooperation.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, coordinated investigations, and managed communications with SAC Jensen.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division**: Involved in legal considerations regarding James Earl Ray’s potential testimony before a grand jury.  
- **National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense Fund**: Mentioned in context of seeking witness information through Jack Greenberg.  
- **Senate Subcommittee on Internal Security**: Referenced in investigations into MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_bulky_231_sec_003_ser_231_only-part_03_of_15.pdf

Document Summary

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