</s>FD-350 (Rev. 5-8-81) (Indicate page, name of newspaper, city and state.) (Mount Clipping in Space Below) Date: 12/25/97 Tage A.4 Edition: Nashville Banner James Earl Ray keeps The pressing for trial aids of Chamber of Health improvers Subscription: Submitting Office: 44-1907-787 Indexing: James Earl ray keeps pressing for trial as health improves for trial As health improves - Without a liver transplant. By Woody Baird AssOCIATED PRESS Ray says he has changed and has - Without A liver transplant, -1997, James Associate Press It's been a year busy for the Ray says it has been changed, and now, - In 1997, James it's been an early year of Martin L. Ray says that he has been ear Ray has contributed to Martin L for the heal for him. ear Ray's defense and son for the ear ray has spent their King Jr. hear him for his time and has been ear ray's defense to James year for him, and he had been in a quest for the death of him. year for his life. ear. He has been Barl Ray's defence and son and he has heal his case for him in his father emerging to say he believes Ray for a trial. During he was in innocent. for a Trial, during he was King Jr.'s widow in son. managed to say that he believes ray framed a trial, during his -James EarlRay is the con- owned by Ray Ray authorities who have formed him to say the Ray "James Earl Earl Ray is the co- prosecutors set up an investigation. Scott King, now known as a Men- director of Ray Ray. - Jim Jr.'s son. He is a con- prospector set up up an investigator. Scott King showed up at a men- <loc_821><loc_645><loc_821><loc_656><loc_373><loc_656>April 4, 1968, at an angle at the<loc_141><loc_668><loc_357><loc_668><loc_373><loc_668>request a trial for Ray Ray the chief state prosecutor in memorious <loc_607><loc_655><loc_821><loc_655><loc_821><loc_666><loc_607><loc_666>memphis. Memphis.

Summary: The documents detail James Earl Ray’s legal battles following his 1968 conviction for assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., including repeated requests for early release due to health issues like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Legal proceedings involved allegations of judicial bias, conspiracy claims, and disputes over evidence such as the rifle used in the assassination. Courts repeatedly denied Ray’s petitions for clemency or furloughs, citing procedural grounds and his guilt. Conspiracy theories persisted, with references to Jerry Ray (his brother) and FBI investigations into potential co-conspirators. The U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) concluded in the 1970s that Ray acted alone, though some documents suggest unresolved questions about coercion or framing. Medical records and legal motions from 1987 to 2005 highlight ongoing debates over his health, parole eligibility, and the validity of his conviction.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted assassin of MLK Jr., repeatedly sought legal recourse for innocence or early release.  
- **Dexter King**: Son of MLK Jr., mentioned in family-related legal discussions.  
- **Scott King**: Brother of MLK Jr., referenced in court proceedings.  
- **Judge Joe Brown**: Overseeing Ray’s case; motions to remove him due to alleged bias were rejected.  
- **Bill Gibbons**: Tennessee prosecutor who opposed Ray’s furlough claims.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Brother of James Earl Ray, mentioned in conspiracy theories and medical contexts.  
- **Marc Perrusquia**: Associated with Ray’s medical updates and legal correspondence.  
- **Janet Reno**: Attorney General referenced in legal discussions.  

Key Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK Jr.’s assassination and Ray’s medical care.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Linked to Ray’s hospitalization and parole hearings.  
- **Springfield**: Mentioned in context of Green’s involvement (unspecified).  
- **Chicago**: Associated with nightclub ownership and unrelated news clippings.  

Key Events:  
- **1968**: James Earl Ray convicted of assassinating MLK Jr., pleaded guilty but claims of coercion persist.  
- **1970s**: HSCA investigation concluded Ray acted alone, though conspiracy theories remain.  
- **1987–1998**: Multiple furlough requests denied due to health issues (hepatitis, cirrhosis) and legal challenges.  
- **1994**: Ray signed a death penalty waiver, possibly linked to ongoing conspiracy claims.  
- **1998**: Judge Bill Gibbons removed from case over bias allegations, raising questions about trial fairness.  
- **2005**: Documents reference Ray’s medical condition and legal status as of that year.  
- **Legal Motions**: Disputes over rifle test-firings and evidence handling in Ray’s trial.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s activities, including a "widescreen" review of his family ties.  
- **Tennessee Department of Corrections**: Oversaw Ray’s parole hearings and medical evaluations.  
- **U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA)**: 1970s investigation concluding Ray acted alone.  
- **News Organizations**: *The Commercial Appeal* referenced in media coverage and updates about Ray’s case.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_74-01-part_4_of_6.pdf

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