</s>KC 44-760 2 with his fencing operation. In addition reliable infor- mation has been received that BRADLEY's operation was intimately connected with the illegal operations of the organized Italian criminal element in Kansas City better known as the "outfit!" 36 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities during his incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) from 1960 to 1968. Inmates and prison staff provided accounts of Ray’s behavior, alleged escape plans, and interactions with other prisoners. Ray was described as a quiet, solitary individual who avoided associating with others. Some inmates mentioned his interest in Mexico, including references to Campache Bay near the Yucatan Peninsula and potential smuggling activities. There were claims that Ray discussed hiding out in Mexico or Canada, though no direct evidence of such plans was confirmed. One inmate noted Ray’s alleged disdain for Black people but not specifically toward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., though Ray reportedly referred to King as “Martin Luther Coon.” The documents also include mentions of bounty hunters seeking King and discussions about potential escape routes involving bread boxes and prison logistics. Investigations by FBI agents Thomas H. Weaver and Prince G. Melton sought information on Ray’s movements, associates, and possible involvement in criminal activities, including alleged drug use and theft within the prison. Some records reference unrelated legal matters, such as inmate Sterling Hill’s release from prison due to improper legal representation.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (subject of investigation)  
- Donald Johnson (inmate at MSP, 1960–1966)  
- Bobby Fed (inmate at MSP, 1968)  
- Cecil Clayton Lillie (inmate at MSP, 1968)  
- Sterling Junior Hill (inmate at MSP, 1968)  
- Richard Bennett (MSP inmate, 1967–1968)  
- Lt. William Robert Turner (prison staff, 1967–1968)  
- Thomas Beecher Crews (MSP inmate, 1966–1968)  

Key Locations:  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City, MO)  
- Camp Fordland Honor Camp (Missouri)  
- Fulton, Missouri (State Hospital No. One)  
- Campache Bay, Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)  
- Kansas City, Missouri (legal and prison-related records)  

Key Events:  
- Inmate accounts of Ray’s alleged escape plans involving bread boxes and smuggling routes.  
- Discussions about potential bounties for the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., though no direct evidence was found.  
- Investigations into Ray’s associations with other inmates, including claims of drug use and theft.  
- Legal proceedings related to inmate Sterling Hill’s release due to improper legal representation.  
- Prison staff reports on Ray’s behavior, including his solitary nature and alleged disdain for Black people.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Missouri State Highway Patrol  
- Missouri Department of Corrections  
- Legal Aid and Defender Society of Greater Kansas City

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_171-02-part_02_of_10.pdf

Document Summary

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