</s>ME 44-1987 Indiana State Penitentiary. He claims to have last seen the subject some 2 to 4 years ago when he visited the subject at the Missouri State Pentitentiary (MSP), and years about 15 have seen him prior to that time about 15 years ago. He has been discharged from the subject had just been dischargedfrom the U.S. Army. JOHN will admit to having visited the subject at the MSP only 3 or 4 times. MSP records reflect visits by JOHN on the following dates: 10/17/62 11/17 /63 11/11/63 11/16/63 11/13/66 5/6/66 11/12/66 11/18/66 12/22/66 12/27/67 It should be noted that this last visit on April 22, 1967, occurred on the day prior to the 1967, occupied on April 23, 1967, however, JOHN RAY denies having had any part in the subject's escape. JOHN RAY has expressed the belief that the subject has money in his possession when he escaped, money which he made from the sale caught, and he has made the case the MSP. JOHN has also stated he believes the subject left has left the United States as the subject was reportedly told him that he would be reported to him that the prison. JOHN denies having seen the suspect since the subject's escaping and claims to have no information concerning his whereabouts. 41 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains records of interviews and statements regarding James Earl Ray’s incarceration, escape planning, and alleged interactions that may relate to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Ray was incarcerated at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) and later Indiana State Penitentiary, where he engaged in drug use (amphetamines), planned escapes, and discussed his intent to kill MLK upon release. He allegedly mentioned a bounty on MLK’s head and expressed racist views toward Black people. Inmates described Ray as a loner with no close associations but involved in smuggling activities, including potential ties to Mexico. His escape from MSP in April 1967 was noted by multiple inmates, some of whom speculated about his post-release movements, including possible connections to California in 1968. Statements from individuals like Harry Sero and James D. Wallace referenced Ray’s alleged possession of a .45 automatic and speculative discussions about MLK-related matters, though no direct evidence linking him to the assassination was provided. The FBI tracked Ray’s movements through agent numbers (e.g., 455042, 48187) and monitored his interactions with smuggling networks and prison staff.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (suspect in MLK assassination; described as a loner, escape planner, and associated with smuggling)  
- Jerry Ray (brother of James Earl Ray; no contact post-escape)  
- Carol Pepper (sister of James Earl Ray; husband Albert Pepper mentioned)  
- Frank Delano Ryan (killed in 1963; referenced in Ray’s interactions)  
- Melba Marie Ryan (sister of James Earl Ray)  
- Susan Donian (wife of Michael Donian, sister of James Earl Ray)  
- Ruby Carpenter (stepmother of James Earl Ray)  
- Paul Alvin Lail, Jack Fox Lamphire, Cecil Clayton Lillibridge, Russell Lee Martin, Walter E. Nolan, James Loama Owens, Harry Sero, Ivan Dale Underwood, James D. Wallace, Jerry Wayne White (inmates who knew Ray; some mentioned his escape plans, drug use, or alleged smuggling)  
- GALT, STEIN, LOUIS LOMAX, DYRELL DENNIS, JOHN EUGENE GAWRON (individuals linked to Ray’s activities or travel in 1967)  

Key Locations  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP; primary location of Ray’s incarceration and interactions with inmates)  
- Indiana State Penitentiary (Ray’s later incarceration)  
- St. Louis, Missouri (Ray’s home area; mentioned in inmate accounts)  
- Quincy, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Los Angeles, California (locations referenced in travel or post-escape speculation)  
- Campesene Bay (near Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; linked to smuggling activities)  
- Torreon, Mexico (referenced in Ray’s travels)  
- Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary (Ray incarcerated alongside Charles Calvin Bookman and Walter Terry Rife)  
- St. Francis Hotel, Los Angeles (alleged encounter site with individuals linked to Ray)  

Key Events  
- Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967 (planned with assistance from an unknown source; inmates noted his frequent escape attempts)  
- Speculative discussions about a bounty on MLK’s head (mentioned by Harry Sero, though described as unverified)  
- Alleged smuggling operations involving Mexico (linked to Ray through associates like Mateo Lopez Garcia or similar names)  
- Ray’s possession of a .45 automatic and readiness to fight if confronted (reported by inmates)  
- Post-escape speculation about Ray’s presence in California (1968), including alleged connections to individuals linked to MLK-related matters  
- Inmate accounts of Ray’s racist views toward Black people and potential motive to harm MLK (though no direct ties to the assassination were established)  

Key Organizations  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP; central institution for Ray’s incarceration and inmate interactions)  
- Federal Penitentiary (Ray’s later incarceration)  
- FBI (tracked Ray’s movements through agent numbers 455042, 48187; involved in monitoring smuggling networks)  
- Smuggling networks (implied through Ray’s associations with individuals operating in Mexico and the U.S.)  
- Black Muslims (mentioned as a group petitioning for religious services at MSP, leading to tensions and a riot)  
- Kroger Store (East St. Louis), Grapefruit Tavern (St. Louis) (locations referenced in GALT’s travel and interactions)

MLK Declassified Files

44-ny-1609_sec_005_ser_601-620-part_5_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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