</s>F.D.245 (REV. 4:13-60) ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL H. S. Department of JustireDECLASSIFICATION (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) DO NOT DESTROY FEDERAL BUREAU FEDERAL DIT DESTROY- of FEDAL DUT Lnitation DO NOT STRIP INVESTIGATION of Bureau File Number 4/4-3186/ Volume Number: Series: DO NOT DISTROY ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED PRESERVE FOR SELECT HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED DATE:62.62 BY Spi 4/1/18/20 COMMITTEE ON ASSINATION See also Nos.10/10/Chibault Soten nuxi fllle Jed 13-Newpapa Clappap Jed C- Infirmant Namea Bettichotp6 Home 415168 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

Summary:  
The document contains FBI Form FD-302 records from April 1968 related to an investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). It includes statements from Orlan Eugene Rose, an inmate at the Missouri State Penitentiary, who describes his interactions with Jimmy Ray, a former inmate and alleged associate of MLK's assassin. Rose recounts that Ray was incarcerated in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1955, where he met Walter Rife. Both men were involved in escape planning and shared a cell at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Rose notes Ray’s reputation as a "loner" with no known ties to racial animosity but acknowledges his financial struggles and possible involvement in criminal activities. The text also references an article written by Rose, which was forwarded to Warden Harold Swanson for potential release to the media, suggesting Ray might confess to MLK’s assassination if exposed. The FBI document emphasizes that it contains neither recommendations nor conclusions, and its contents are restricted to authorized agencies.  

Key People:  
- **Jimmy Ray**: Described as a former inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary and Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, associated with Walter Rife and alleged to have ties to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Orlan Eugene Rose (Inmate No. 77323)**: Provided testimony about Ray’s behavior, escape attempts, and potential involvement in criminal activities.  
- **Walter Rife**: A fellow inmate at Kansas City Jail and Leavenworth Penitentiary, linked to Ray’s alleged escape planning.  
- **Harold Swanson**: Warden of Missouri State Penitentiary, who received Rose’s article for possible media release.  

Key Locations:  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary** (Jefferson City, Missouri): Where Jimmy Ray was incarcerated.  
- **Kansas City Jail**: Site of Ray and Rife’s initial incarceration in 1955.  
- **Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary**: Where Ray and Rife were later housed.  

Key Events:  
- **Ray’s alleged escape attempts**: Rose noted Ray’s repeated efforts to flee custody, including a planned escape via an unlocked door at the jail.  
- **Rose’s article on Ray**: Sent to Warden Swanson for potential media release, suggesting Ray might confess to MLK’s assassination if exposed.  
- **FBI investigation**: The document reflects FBI interest in Ray’s activities and his possible connection to MLK’s assassination, though no conclusive evidence is presented.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the investigation, with records indicating restricted access to the document.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration and inmate interactions.

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_173-05-part_1_of_5.pdf

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