</s>if nothing else. In time it will be disgusted and lost to men or possible verificatio, etc. This man hitchhikerlints into Memphis on the morning of the murder, and accepted a ride from hule. The FBI may be indifferent to the ilentity of the murdered menus assassin because of the fiction between Dr. King and Mr. However, but there is surely some agency of government who will look into it. Iem be reached by plume at RE 5-2155 (West Memphis, aka.) yours very truly, Ken Davis 1701 H. Avlon-apr. 213 DAVIS West Memphis. ark. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains statements from an individual referred to as "DOWDA" regarding James Earl Ray’s activities while incarcerated at Missouri State Prison. DOWDA notes that Ray attempted to escape in 1966, broke his arm during the attempt, and was interested in Western music but rarely mentioned dancing. Ray used amphetamines, spending $35–$40 weekly on shots, and had financial stability despite this habit. DOWDA mentions Ray’s interactions with inmates like Harold Shaper, Benjamin Goodin, and Donald Dean Rigger, as well as his alleged connections to individuals such as Paul Alvin Carter and Abby (a drug offender). The text also includes details about Ray’s potential associates in Florida and California, including addresses and possible locations.  

Additional sections reference an envelope addressed to the editor of *Citizen News* with a clipping related to prison conditions, submitted for latent fingerprint analysis. The FBI sought information on thermoseal marking machines in South Carolina, noting serial numbers and owners like Deluxe Cleaners and Navy Exchange Laundries. A separate section discusses Scott Nordal, a suspect considered a look-alike for Ray, and his hotel stays at the Candlelight Inn and Chalmette Hotel. The FBI requested handwriting and fingerprint comparisons between Nordal and known individuals, including James Earl Ray and Walter Terry Rife.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Alleged assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., incarcerated at Missouri State Prison; discussed his escape attempt, drug use, and inmate interactions.  
- **DOWDA** (likely a misrendered name): Provided information on Ray’s prison activities and associates.  
- **Harold Shaper**: Guard at Missouri State Prison with alleged ties to Ray.  
- **Benjamin Goodin**: Civilian in charge of the prison, linked to amphetamine distribution.  
- **Donald Dean Rigger**: Friend of Ray, associated with California; mentioned as a psychiatrist at Napa State Hospital.  
- **Paul Alvin Carter**: Inmate who allegedly used the alias "Paul Alvin Carter" during his time at Missouri State Prison.  
- **Abby**: Drug offender connected to Ray and DOWDA; currently in custody or under investigation.  
- **Scott Nordal**: Suspected look-alike for Ray, with hotel stays recorded at Candlelight Inn and Chalmette Hotel.  
- **Walter Terry Rife**: Individual whose handwriting was compared to Nordal’s.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Prison**: Site of Ray’s incarceration; details about his escape attempt and interactions with guards and inmates.  
- **Candlelight Inn (Metairie, Louisiana)**: Hotel where a key and map were found in Scott Nordal’s room.  
- **Chalmette Hotel (New Orleans, Louisiana)**: Hotel where Scott Nordal stayed from March 22–28, 1968.  
- **Deluxe Cleaners and Laundry (West Columbia, South Carolina)**: Mentioned as a potential source of thermoseal marking machines.  
- **Navy Exchange Laundry (Charleston, South Carolina)**: Linked to thermoseal marking machine serial numbers.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s 1966 escape attempt**: Resulted in a broken arm and alleged connection to prison guards.  
- **Amphetamine use by Ray**: Estimated weekly cost of $35–$40 for shots, with financial stability noted.  
- **Thermoseal marking machine investigation**: FBI examined serial numbers and ownership records in South Carolina.  
- **Scott Nordal’s hotel stays**: Checked for connections to Ray, including registration cards from Candlelight Inn and Chalmette Hotel.  
- **Handwriting and fingerprint comparisons**: Requested by the FBI between Nordal, Ray, and Walter Terry Rife.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s activities, thermoseal machines, and Scott Nordal’s background.  
- **Missouri State Prison**: Central to discussions about Ray’s incarceration and interactions.  
- **Navy Exchange Laundry**: Part of the thermoseal machine investigation in South Carolina.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_07-03-part_4_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search