</s>ME 44-1987 TOR:cJ5 1 HAROLD DEAN KLEMP, an inmate at Folson State Penitentiary, Folson, California, had met RAY through RAY'S crime, Folson, JAMES SHORTIE'S, OWENS, He and OWEENS had been partner, JAMES SHORTTE'S. OWENS. He had he and OWENS at the Missouri states from October 1961, 1961, to December, 1964, that he met RAV. He described RAY as a quiet, close-mouthed, even-tempered individual who minded his own business and a person people would not remember unless they had direct dealing with him. RAY' s mind was consumed with the idea of escape and he, KLEPM, did not think in his own mind that after escaping prison from would he would be so stupid as to shoot a "big wag king." "KLEMP had no idea as to RAY's current location or anyone who likes him to have him. FRANK MABERRY (13763), Morby, Missouri Men's Training Center, only in the Missouri State Penitentiary from 1962 until 1963 when he was in the paroled. He is unable to recall ever seeing or hearing anything about JAMES EARL RAY until after the assassination of Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING. He was unable to suggest the identity of any individual who might have been closely associated with RAY. and he had no information concerning RAY'S whereabouts. HARRY SERO resides at 295 North McNell, Memphis, Tennessee, and was formerly at Missouri State Pentitentiary and had no way forward in February 1964. RAY during the period of February 1944. JAMES EARL incarcerated in the state of Missouri State Pentitentiary. He also became acquainted with another inmate, RAYMOND CURTIS, who recently asked to newspaper reporters concerning his association with RAV." SERO can recall making the statement in the presence of RAY and CURITS, as well as other inmates, that while he, SERO, had been in Memphis, Tennessee, an unknown individual had speculated that it was well if other inmates. individual had specialized that in the MRTIN LUTHER KING ever attempted an economic boycott in the City of Memphis it would 66 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail testimonies from inmates and associates regarding JAMES EARL RAY’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary, his alleged escape in April 1967, and interactions with other prisoners such as NEAL ABBY and IVAN DALE UNDERWOOD. Testimonies describe Ray as a solitary individual with no close associates but mention his use of amphetamines, minor narcotics activities, and speculative claims about a bounty on DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. Some accounts reference Ray’s alleged connections to ERIC GALT in Los Angeles, California, including encounters at the Sultan Room and St. Francis Hotel. The documents also include fragmented records involving GALT, RITA STEIN, CHARLES STEIN, and JEROME WALLIS VERNON, detailing travel to New Orleans, hotel stays, laundry services, and alleged criminal activities. References to social security numbers are noted but not included in the summary. A third document lists names linked to DR. KING’s shooting (case numbers 22, 34), including RAY, RALPH RENFRO, LOUIS LOMAX, and other individuals associated with locations such as the Rebel Motor Hotel and Piedmont Laundry.  

Key People  
- JAMES EARL RAY (central figure; described as quiet, solitary, and possibly racist)  
- NEAL ABBY (inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary; close friend of Ray)  
- IVAN DALE UNDERWOOD (linked to RAY through mutual association with RALPH RENFRO)  
- ERIC GALT (allegedly connected to RAY and involved in Los Angeles activities)  
- RITA STEIN, CHARLES STEIN, JEROME WALLIS VERNON (associated with GALT’s travel and hotel interactions)  
- LOUIS LOMAX (mentioned in multiple contexts, including prison and LA activities)  
- RALPH RENFRO (linked to RAY and referenced in MLK shooting case numbers)  
- DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING (shooting case numbers 22, 34; referenced in speculative bounty claims)  

Key Locations  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (primary location for Ray’s incarceration)  
- St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Joplin, Missouri; Los Angeles, California  
- Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary (mentioned as a prison where Ray was incarcerated)  
- Sultan Room, St. Francis Hotel, Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California  
- New Orleans, Louisiana (Charter Street, Royal Street, Chalmette-industrial Canal area)  
- Rebel Motor Hotel, Piedmont Laundry, Superior Bulk Film Company, Mexico  

Key Events  
- Testimonies about Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967  
- Speculation about a bounty on DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING and potential involvement of Ray  
- GALT’s travel to New Orleans in December 1967 to pick up RITA STEIN’s children  
- Interactions between GALT, STEIN, and their family members at hotels and motels  
- Laundry services provided by JEROME WALLIS VERNON, including descriptions of items laundered  
- References to DR. KING’s shooting (case numbers 22, 34) and investigations tied to addresses and businesses  

Key Organizations  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (central institution for Ray’s incarceration)  
- Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary  
- Home Service Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company (Upland, California)  
- International School of Bartending (Los Angeles)  
- FBI Identification Division  
- Commercial Appeal newspaper, Free Press newspaper  
- Postal money orders service, U.S. Postal Service

MLK Declassified Files

44-ho-1509_sec_007_ser_431-455-part_6_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search