</s>IN THE CRIMINAL COURT OF SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE DIVISION THREE STATE OF TENNESSEE, VS. NOS. 166445 and 16819 JAMES BARL RAY, alias ERIC STARVO CALT, alias JOHN WILLARD, Allias HARVEY LOMEYER, ORDER ON SCIRE FACIAS This cause came on to be heard on a verified petition for citation for contempt of Arthur J. Hanes, Sr ., Renfro T. Hays, Roy Hamilton and Charles Edmundson, heretofore filed by the Court- appointed amici curiae; personal service of said petition upon all four named respondents; secre facias issued by this Court ordering said respondents to show cause why they should not be held in con- tempt of previous orders of this Court; the sworn answer of the respondent RenfRO T. Hayes; the hearing in open court on the 27th day of September, 1968 and on the 30th day of September , 1968, at which time sworn testimony was added by the petitioners and the respondents; the argument of counsel for all parties; the exhibits in the cause, and upon the entire record for this cause, from all of which it appears to be the Court: That the respondents, Arthur J ., Hanes. Sr .+, Renfiro T. Hay, Roy Hamilton and Charles Edmondson, each, are guilty of contempt as found by this court in its opinion which has been filed in this cause, and which is copied herein verbatim; and the same as if copied herein Verbatim); and The Court being undecided at this time as to what action the Court should take by way of punishment on account of said contempts, and being desious of giving the matter further consideration, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECRED that this matter be, and the same is hereby, reserved by this Cour for further and future orders of This Court.

Summary  
The documents detail legal proceedings in Shelby County, Tennessee, involving James Earl Ray (JER), a suspect in Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Court records from October 1968 reference contempt of court charges against Arthur J. Hanes Sr., Renfro T. Hays, Roy Hamilton, and Charles Edmundson, with the court reserving judgment on punishment. Media seating arrangements for JER’s trial (Case No. 16645) were specified on October 14, 1968, including designated seats for outlets like Associated Press, UPI, and National Broadcasting Company. FBI reports from October 1968 note JER’s employment at the Indian Trail Restaurant in Winnetka, Illinois, under the alias John L. Rains (SSN [REDACTED]). A book author, William Branford Huile, is linked to obtaining information about MLK’s assassination from JER. Fragmented personal letters reference legal proceedings, media coverage, and vague threats or inquiries about "assassination" and "contempt."  

FBI interviews in Chicago (August–September 1968) corroborate JER’s employment at the Indian Trail Restaurant from May to June 1967, confirmed through payroll records, photographs, and descriptions. Harvey and Clara Klingeman, restaurant owners, reported JER as a cook with no visitors or known associates. William Bradley Hue claimed JER received payments for an assassination plot involving MLK, traveled to Canada, and was involved in planning the attack, though JER denied direct involvement. JER’s movements included trips to Missouri, where he stayed with his brother, and attempts to cross into Canada. He allegedly had $300 in his shoe and purchased a Mustang for travel. JER’s alleged contact with Memphis, Tennessee, and subsequent flight to England after the assassination are noted.  

FBI records include latent fingerprint analysis of a payroll check (number #5283) confirming JER’s right thumbprint. Interviews with residents at 2731 North Sheffield Avenue in Chicago describe JER as a tenant with foot issues who left for Canada and disappeared without a forwarding address. Hotel registration records from the Lincoln Apartment Hotel (June 18–19, 1967) list an occupant named John J. RAYS or JOHN L. RATS, matching JER’s alias.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (JER) – Suspect in MLK’s assassination; employed at Indian Trail Restaurant, traveled to Canada/Mississippi, allegedly involved in conspiracy.  
- Harvey and Clara Klingeman – Restaurant owners who provided employment records and details about JER’s activities.  
- William Bradley Hue – Claimed ties between JER and an assassination plot; provided alleged payment and travel information.  
- Phyllis Lehning – Interviewed regarding residences and individuals; reviewed photographs of suspects.  
- Lola Ballard Despins – Day clerk at Lincoln Apartment Hotel who reviewed registration records for room 105.  
- Edward and Gloria Donnelly – Chicago residents who rented apartments to JER; described his appearance, movements, and interactions.  
- Edward Sverling – Resident of the building where JER stayed; confirmed JER’s presence but no further details.  

Key Locations  
- Shelby County, Tennessee (criminal court proceedings)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (courtroom seating arrangements)  
- Winnetka, Illinois (Indian Trail Restaurant employment records)  
- 2731 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (apartment rented by JER)  
- Lincoln Apartment Hotel, 1648 West Lunt, Chicago, Illinois (hotel registration records)  
- Canada, Missouri, England – Locations associated with JER’s travel and flight after the assassination.  

Key Events  
- Contempt of court charges against Arthur J. Hanes Sr., Renfro T. Hays, Roy Hamilton, and Charles Edmundson (October 1968).  
- Seating arrangement for media and public during James Earl Ray’s trial (October 14, 1968).  
- FBI investigation into JER’s activities in Chicago (August–September 1968), including employment records and movements.  
- Alleged conspiracy involving JER, payments from conspirators, and plans to cross into Canada.  
- JER’s departure for Canada following a letter; described as leaving without a forwarding address.  
- Latent fingerprint analysis confirming James Earl Ray’s thumbprint on a payroll check (number #5283).  
- Review of hotel registration records for room 105 at Lincoln Apartment Hotel (June 18–19, 1967).  

Key Organizations  
- Shelby County Criminal Court (Tennessee)  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Conducted interviews and investigations into JER’s movements and alleged involvement in the assassination.  
- Indian Trail Restaurant, Inc. – Provided employment records and payroll data for JER.  
- Chicago Police Department (IR Number 60181 referenced)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_22-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

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