</s>or to grant some other form permit them to confer in pri- tions with Ray are now 2-4-4" of relief. vate with Ray and to permit them to conduct a permit by a guard before they are CENSORSHIP them to condence without consent. The lawyers also asked the sorriship. They said that the notes They also said Sheriff Morris court to direct the sheriff to they make during consul-it. mail to his counsel. Ray's 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI and federal government activities related to the investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on evidence handling, legal proceedings, and coordination with state authorities. Key elements include the retention of evidence such as a 1966 Mustang automobile and documents linked to James Earl Ray, who was charged with murder. The Bureau advised the Department of Justice and state prosecutors (e.g., Phil M. Canale, Shelby County Attorney General) on evidence disposition, including releasing certain items to Memphis authorities while retaining others for federal proceedings. Correspondence mentions meetings between FBI agents and state representatives to review physical evidence, witness coordination, and pretrial preparations. References also include sheriff reports indicating James Earl Ray’s potential involvement with individuals like J.B. Stoner, associated with a right-wing hate group, and legal motions filed by Arthur Hanes on behalf of King Jr.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Charged with the assassination of MLK Jr., subject of federal and state investigations.  
- **Arthur Hanes**: Attorney for MLK Jr., filed motions related to his incarceration and privacy rights.  
- **Phil M. Canale, Jr.**: State Attorney General of Shelby County, Tennessee, overseeing the state trial of Ray.  
- **J.B. Stoner**: Identified as a figure associated with a right-wing hate group (National States’ Rights Party), mentioned in sheriff reports.  
- **William N. Morris, Jr.**: Sheriff who provided information about Ray’s correspondence and activities.  

Key Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of the assassination and state trial proceedings.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Mentioned as the location of Arthur Hanes’ private estate.  
- **Washington, D.C.**: FBI Laboratory where evidence was analyzed.  
- **Atlanta, Memphis, and Birmingham**: Locations of FBI field offices involved in case coordination.  

Key Events:  
- **Retention and release of evidence**: The Bureau retained the 1966 Mustang and documents linked to Ray while releasing some items to state authorities for trial.  
- **Pretrial conferences**: FBI planned meetings with state prosecutors (e.g., Canale) to review evidence, coordinate witnesses, and prepare for trial.  
- **Legal motions**: Arthur Hanes filed motions seeking privacy for MLK Jr. and legal representation during his incarceration.  
- **Correspondence investigation**: Sheriff Morris reported Ray’s potential contact with J.B. Stoner, a figure linked to a hate group, raising questions about possible involvement in the assassination.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted forensic analysis and coordinated evidence handling for federal proceedings.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Advised on evidence retention and legal strategies for both federal and state prosecutions.  
- **Shelby County, Tennessee Attorney General’s Office**: Oversaw the state trial of James Earl Ray.  
- **National States’ Rights Party**: A right-wing hate group associated with J.B. Stoner, mentioned in sheriff reports as potentially linked to Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_21-05-part_2_of_4.pdf

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