Summary  
The document contains fragmented legal records related to James Earl Ray’s conviction for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his 1969 guilty plea, sentencing, and subsequent appeals. It references Ray’s 99-year prison term following a trial where ballistic evidence was contested, with testimony suggesting inconsistencies in FBI findings about rifle markings used in the shooting. Legal disputes over reward claims for information related to the assassination are mentioned, including a lawsuit by Stephens seeking compensation. The text also notes Ray’s book publication and financial arrangements tied to it, as well as interactions at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, where he was incarcerated. Court proceedings involving Tennessee Supreme Court decisions denying new trials in 1972 and appeals from state criminal courts are detailed, alongside references to witness testimonies, hospital records, and media coverage of the case. Some sections contain corrupted or unclear text, possibly due to OCR errors or damaged records.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Convicted of assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sentenced to 99 years in prison, involved in legal appeals and book publication.  
- Arthur R. Foreman: Defense attorney for Ray during his trial.  
- Percy Forman: Legal counsel associated with Ray’s case.  
- Raymond: Prisoner at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, possibly a witness or associate.  
- Stephens: Individual seeking financial compensation for information related to the assassination.  
- Grace Elizabeth Walden: Witness linked to the case through a rooming house and police involvement.  
- Robert Liv Distinson: Attorney representing Ray in legal proceedings.  
- Charles H. Murphy Jr.: Attorney seeking relief for an unspecified party.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Site of King’s assassination and central location for legal proceedings.  
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Tennessee): Where Ray was incarcerated; mentioned in context of prisoner interactions.  
- Nashville, Tennessee: Reference to Ray’s legal activities and media coverage.  
- Washington, D.C.: Federal court systems involved in administrative filings.  
- Bolivar, Tennessee: Location tied to Walden’s testimony.  
- Jackson, Tennessee: Site of state supreme court rulings.  

Key Events  
- James Earl Ray’s 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and subsequent 1969 guilty plea for the murder.  
- Ballistic expert testimony challenging FBI evidence regarding rifle markings used in the shooting.  
- Legal appeals and court proceedings, including Tennessee Supreme Court denial of a new trial in 1972.  
- Legal disputes over reward claims for information related to the assassination, including Stephens’ lawsuit.  
- Ray’s book publication and financial arrangements with publishers.  
- Prisoner interactions at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, including access to commissary items and health concerns.  
- Witness testimonies involving Grace Elizabeth Walden and hospital records tied to her involvement.  
- Media coverage of the case by outlets such as *Washington Post*, *Times Herald*, Nashville Television, Associated Press, and UPI.  

Key Organizations  
- U.S. Department of Justice: Involved in federal legal proceedings and administrative filings.  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Subject to scrutiny regarding its investigation into the assassination.  
- Tennessee Supreme Court: Handled appeals and denied a new trial for Ray in 1972.  
- State criminal appeals court: Part of Tennessee’s judicial system involved in Ray’s case.  
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary: Tennessee prison where Ray was incarcerated.  
- Media outlets (e.g., *Washington Post*, *Times Herald*, Associated Press, UPI): Covered the case and related legal developments.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_32a-01-part_2_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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