</s>PD-350 (Rev. 7-16-63) (Mount Clipping in Space Below) Rev. Bevel Named ' In Court Motion A motion was filed in Criminal Court this afternoon by Judge W. Preston Battle's Amel Currie Committee saying it believes in the Rev. James Amel Court in probable contempt indicate page, name of newspaper, city and state.) it believes that the Rev.'s Samuel Samuel Currie Committee says Bevel, a top official officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Newspaper. City and State.) King, claimed recently in the late Dr. Martin Luther The official official of the southern Christian Leadership Page/ King, claiming recently he had to the evidence that will prove Ray The committee said that he its opinion Bevel's state- its opinion bevels state- court's order prohibiting the Memphis Press- court's execution of the Sci-itar case. is under suspension of testify is under subpoena to testify Memphis, Tenn. Rev.'s trial scheduled May's trial scheduled Last week he asked to be- comme associated with Perry comme accused of perjury legal defense team, but was come accused of Perry because he is not a lawyer. legal defense teams, but we was judge to police authority in tee, composed of Memphis judge he was a lawyer, Judge to police publicity in judge that Bevel was cited in mend that Bevell is cited in Judge's case why he should mend the police authority to Author: Editor: Home no be because he should The same procedure was Editor: Chass. It, for the prosecution. against four others. Title: Schneider Character: of Classifying Officer: Memphis Submitting Officer: Investigated Submitting Investigator SEARCHED: INDEXED. SEARCHERZED, R.A.F.D.C. ., FLEED. FEB 7 1969 FBI - MEMPHIS Oug mn X Buey<loc_441><loc_918><loc_628><loc_859><loc_653><loc_877>Oug n mx Buev 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The document contains fragmented legal documents and court proceedings related to James Earl Ray’s trial for the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., with key themes including trial delays, privacy rights, media access, and legal challenges. The text references a trial initially scheduled for March 3, 1969, but delayed multiple times, with Judge W. Preston Battle overseeing the case. The defense attorney, Percy Foreman, opposed media access to photographs of Ray, citing privacy concerns, while prosecutors like Robert K. Dower argued against delays. The Shelby County Grand Jury did not return indictments despite claims of evidence linking Ray to the assassination. Witness testimony and restrictions from law enforcement were central to legal debates, with Judge Battle emphasizing thorough preparation for the defense’s 306 witnesses. The text also mentions contempt citations for individuals during the trial, jury deliberations, and prison conditions for Ray, including his placement in a maximum security facility. Fragmented references suggest discussions about evidence, such as a "White Mustang" police chase and a "citizen's band" transmission, though these details are unclear. The document includes unrelated remarks by Judge Battle praising Memphis and administrative notes about declassification under Executive Order 14176.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Accused of assassinating MLK Jr., his trial became a focal point for legal and media scrutiny.  
- Percy Foreman: Defense attorney for Ray, advocating for privacy rights and challenging media access.  
- Judge W. Preston Battle: Oversaw the trial, balancing procedural delays with judicial responsibility.  
- William N. Morris (Sheriff): Involved in disputes over photographing Ray and witness testimony.  
- Robert K. Dower & Phil Capale: Prosecutors opposing delays and emphasizing trial readiness.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Central location for the trial and court proceedings.  
- Shelby County: Home to the grand jury that did not return indictments.  
- London: Where James Earl Ray was photographed after being jailed.  
- Bathroom window (implied): Described as the vantage point from which the assassination shot was fired.  

Key Events  
- Trial delays: The case faced multiple postponements, with the trial initially scheduled for March 3, 1969, but pushed to April 7, 1969.  
- Privacy rights disputes: Foreman opposed media access to photographs of Ray, leading to judicial rulings on photo release.  
- Grand jury proceedings: The Shelby County Grand Jury did not return indictments despite claims of evidence linking Ray to the assassination.  
- Contempt citations: Six individuals were cited for contempt during the trial, possibly involving journalists or media figures.  
- Prison conditions: Ray was placed in a maximum security prison, with references to his confinement at Shelby County Prison.  

Key Organizations  
- FBI: Mentioned in administrative context with dates and memos.  
- Memphis court system: Involved in the trial proceedings.  
- Life Magazine: Associated with a photo of the assassination scene.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_73-03-part_2_of_2.pdf

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