</s>KC 44-760 2 do this for him. This would have been in about 1966, after RAY got out of solitary confinement following his return to the MSP from the State Hospital in Fulton, Missouri, as HURT re- called. Humpty Dumpty was in solitary confinement when RAY Escapade in April, 1967. HURT advised that he never heard of "Cooley's" Organization, and he has been in the sp for fifteen years. He said that, he is not acquainted with any inmates named ORR or MC CLELLAN, he does not recall any such inmates being or a member of the National Security Agency (NSA). He is not aware of that he never heard RAY speak of Mexico, Canada, Australia, or New Orleans, he advised that MAY celled with CARL HILLERIDGE when RAY returned to the MSP from Fulton, but he knows of no to indicate RAY was involved with that that he has no information in to indicate Ray was involvedwith the shal of anophelamine in the MSP. On May 9, 1968, and May 10, 1968. Warden HAROLD STENSON and Major B. J. POIRY, Assistant Associate Warden of Custody, MSP, advised that they have no knowledge of "Coolley's Organization," and have been unable to identify it with any segment of the population at the Msp or to verify its existence, past or present. 50 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail James Earl Ray’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) from 1967–1968, focusing on his escape plans, interactions with inmates, and alleged connections to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Inmates such as Howard Nunn, Julius Maurice Block, and others reported Ray’s behavior, including references to Mexico, discussions about a bounty for MLK’s death, and logistical details of an escape plan involving a bread box. Officials at MSP, including Warden Harold Stenson, denied knowledge of “Coolley’s Organization” or direct ties to the assassination investigation. Ray’s escape was confirmed on April 23, 1967, with inmates describing methods for transporting him via truck. Financial records show Ray received money orders between 1963–1967, including from individuals with names similar to his own. His release from MSP occurred on January 20, 1968, and subsequent hospitalization at Fulton State Hospital is noted.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure; incarcerated at MSP, discussed escape plans and alleged bounty for MLK’s death.  
- **Howard Nunn**: Inmate who reported Ray’s presence in K-Hall during 1967 and described his quiet demeanor.  
- **Julius Maurice Block**: Former MSP inmate detailing Ray’s interactions with others, including references to Mexico and smuggling activities.  
- **Warden Harold Stenson**: MSP official denying knowledge of “Coolley’s Organization” or direct ties to the assassination investigation.  
- **Raymond Lewis Curtis**: Inmate at MSP; cell assignments and prison routines detailed.  
- **Thomas Beecher Crews**: Escaped inmate who mentioned Ray’s photograph but stated no personal knowledge of him.  
- **Harold Wade**: Inmate with a history of escape attempts and hospitalization at Fulton State Hospital.  
- **Kenneth Lee Wade**: Inmate with parole violations and institutional records.  
- **Russell Martin (RusSELL LEE MARTINA)**: Inmate with multiple parole violations, including segregation incidents.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration, inmate interactions, and escape planning.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Home of MSP and administrative offices involved in the investigation.  
- **Fulton State Hospital**: Facility where Harold Wade was hospitalized and where Ray was later institutionalized.  
- **Kansas City, Missouri**: Mentioned in context of Ray’s alleged smuggling network connections.  
- **Fordland Honor Camp (Missouri)**: Site of Thomas Beecher Crews’ 1956 escape.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s escape from MSP on April 23, 1967**: Inmates described logistical details of the bread box method for transporting him.  
- **Mentions of bounty for MLK’s death**: Some inmates speculated about Ray discussing potential rewards for assassinating Dr. King, though no evidence was confirmed.  
- **Ray’s release from MSP on January 20, 1968** and subsequent hospitalization at Fulton State Hospital.  
- **Inmate interactions**: Reports of Ray’s quiet demeanor, limited social connections, and avoidance of conflict within the prison.  
- **Financial transactions**: Records show Ray received money orders between 1963–1967, including from individuals with names similar to his own.  

Key Organizations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central institution for Ray’s incarceration and inmate monitoring.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Involved in mental evaluations, case numbers (e.g., FBI #7888070), and fingerprint checks related to Ray’s identification.  
- **Missouri Department of Corrections**: Administered records and inmate tracking at MSP.  
- **Missouri State Highway Patrol**: Conducted latent print checks for Ray’s identification.  
- **Fulton State Hospital**: Mental health facility referenced in inmate transfers and hospitalizations.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ho-1509_sec_005_ser_366-401-part_3_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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