</s>Case Number: 44- PH-O Serial(s): 1999 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: The document outlines a federal inquiry into conspiracy claims surrounding the 1996 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., initiated following a civil suit filed by his widow, Corretta Scott King, in October 1998. Attorney General Reno authorized an investigation in 1998 after pressure from President Clinton. The Shelby County Prosecutor's Office conducted a seven-month review of allegations involving FBI agent Lloyd Owens, who was fired prior to the assassination, and found no credible evidence supporting conspiracy claims. A jury later ruled that "unknown conspirators" within the government were liable for Dr. King’s death, though no specific branch or entity was identified. The FBI was recused from further involvement, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) assumed responsibility, with Attorney Barry Kowalski overseeing the inquiry. The DOJ requested the FBI to forward investigative leads or initiate new investigations related to the case, with updates sent to Kowalski at the Civil Rights Division.  

Key People: Corretta Scott King (widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), Attorney General Reno, President Clinton, Lloyd Owens (FBI agent), Barry Kowalski (DOJ attorney).  

Key Locations: Shelby County, Alabama; Washington D.C. (DOJ headquarters).  

Key Events: Authorization of conspiracy inquiry by Attorney General Reno (1998); Shelby County Prosecutor's Office investigation (seven-month review); civil suit filed by King family (October 1998); jury ruling against "unknown conspirators" in government (December 1999); FBI recusal and DOJ assumption of oversight.  

Key Organizations: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Shelby County Prosecutor's Office, Civil Rights Division (DOJ).

MLK Declassified Files

44-ph-0_sec_000_ser_1999.pdf

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