</s>(Mount Clipping in Space Below) NEW DELAY IN (inactive page, name of newspaper, city and state.) RAY TRIAL Pago / - - - - DENIED Hompkins, Toms. Case Likely To Begin Date: 12-18-68 Edition Author: Chase, H. March 3 Editor: Scholder Title: Public Defender Nameed to Aid Character: Percy Foreman Classified: or by ROY E. HAMILTON Submitting Officer: and CLARK PONTEOUS Being Integrated Criminal Court Judge W. SARCHED INDEXED Preston Battle Ordered SEARCHED 44-FILED LEE. as begin as possible, and DEC 1-1968 the public defender- FBI-MEMPHIS Bureon appointed the public defender. Texas attorney, Perry Fore- 1/119/68 man in Ray's defense. 44/197-Sub-C-9277 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents contain fragmented newspaper clippings and official records from 1963-1964 discussing James Earl Ray’s legal proceedings related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They reference Rev. James Bevel, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) leader, who claimed Ray was innocent and offered to defend him. Other figures mentioned include Ralph Abernathy, Percy Foreman, and discussions about legal strategies, conspiracy theories, and Ray’s alleged involvement in the murder. The texts also mention court proceedings, alternate jurors for Ray’s trial (noted in a 2013 document), and claims of psychological profiling or "lynching psychology" tied to the case. Some entries reference a 1963-1964 timeline, while others appear to be administrative notes or unrelated content.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Accused of assassinating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., discussed as a scapegoat in Memphis.  
- Rev. James Bevel: SCLC official who claimed Ray was innocent and offered legal defense.  
- Ralph Abernathy: SCLC leader who addressed media about the case, stating the organization did not act as lawyers or detectives.  
- Percy Foreman: Mentioned as a lawyer involved in Ray’s defense.  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Central figure whose assassination is the focus of the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Site of key events, including meetings and court proceedings.  
- Atlanta, Georgia: Associated with SCLC activities and legal discussions.  
- Shelby County Jail: Where James Earl Ray was incarcerated during some mentions.  

Key Events  
- Legal defense efforts for James Earl Ray, including claims of innocence by Rev. Bevel.  
- Discussions about psychological profiling or "lynching psychology" in the context of the case.  
- Court proceedings involving alternate jurors for Ray’s trial (noted in a 2013 document).  
- Claims that Ray was a scapegoat and that others conspired to kill Dr. King.  
- References to SCLC involvement, including meetings with officials like Ralph Abernathy.  

Key Organizations  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Central to discussions about legal strategies and the assassination investigation.  
- Federal Court of the Commemorator: Mentioned in a 2013 document regarding trial procedures for Ray.  
- National Council of Churches: Involved in meetings with Rev. Bevel.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_73-03-part_1_of_2.pdf

Document Summary

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