</s>FD-46 (Rey. 5-22-64) F.B.I. Date: 1/19/69' Transmit the following in PLAIN TEXT (Type in plaintext or code) TELETYPE URGENT (Priority) Via TO DIRECTOR 44 38861 MEMPHIS 44 1987 ATLANTA PHILADELPHIA (44-1368)(P) H4f-1366-5/8 FROM Searchied MURKIN Serialized Mixeded MURKTIN REMYKIN JAN. NINETEEN INSTANT. Fixed REV. JAMES BEVEL, SCLO OFFICIAL IN PHILADELFILPHIA APPEARED ON WCAU TV SPECIAL NEWS INTERVIEW BETWEEN HALVES OF NEL ALL STAR FOOTBALL GAME TO STATE HE HAS EVIDENCE THAT JAMES EARL RAY DID NOT KILL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BEVEL REFUSED TO DIVULGE EVIDENCE TO INTERVIEWER BUT SADED HE HAS HAD OFFERED TO DEFEND RAY IN COURT BECAUSE ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOT A LICENSED ATTORNEY, HE WAS LEARNED IN THE LAW AND HAD SPENT MUCH TIME DEFENDING CASES IN COURT AND HED PUT ALL THE FACTS TOGETHER TO SHOW RAY WAS NOT GUILTY. BEVEL ALSO SAID ALL HIS FRIENDS DID NOT BELIEVE RAY WAS WAS GUILITY. HE SAID HE WAS SPEAKING FOR THE REV. RALPH ABERNATHY AND SCLC BUT THE PRESS INTERVIEWEVER SAID THAT AN OFFICIAL OF SCLC IN ATLANZA TOLD THE NEWS MEDIA THAT BEVEL WAS UNDER PRESSURE AND END PAGE ONE JW/JMM (C1) Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent Sent Per Mt. 6230 Mt-6230 Mt - 6230 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
Reverend James Bevel, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) official based in Philadelphia, publicly claimed in January 1969 that James Earl Ray did not assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. Bevel made these assertions during a televised interview on WCAU-TV during the National Football League All-Star Game, stating he had evidence of Ray’s innocence but refused to share it without being part of Ray’s legal defense. He cited personal experience with legal cases and support from SCLC leaders like Reverend Ralph Abernathy as bases for his claims. Bevel also alleged pressure from SCLC officials in Atlanta to speak independently rather than represent the organization. The FBI requested interviews with Bevel on January 31, 1969, to investigate his assertions. Bevel claimed he was present at the Lorraine Motel during King’s assassination but provided no specific details. He also mentioned plans to contact Percy Forman, Ray’s attorney, for legal assistance. SCLC leadership in Atlanta reportedly expressed skepticism about Bevel’s claims, with some militants urging him to either share evidence or remain silent. Bevel further asserted that systemic issues were responsible for King’s death and intended to expose these if allowed to defend Ray.  

In subsequent FBI communications from March to April 1969, investigations focused on verifying Bevel’s claim of a letter allegedly sent to Memphis Police in April 1968 containing information about MLK’s assassination while in Memphis. The FBI instructed Philadelphia to interview Bevel to confirm his statements, but Memphis authorities denied knowledge of the letter. Bevel’s whereabouts were tracked, with records noting he was not in Memphis, Atlanta, or Mobile at the time. Concerns arose over interviewing him if hospitalized due to potential embarrassment for the Bureau. The FBI coordinated with field offices in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Memphis, and New York to locate Bevel and assess his hospitalization status.  

Key People  
- Reverend James Bevel (SCLC official, claimed Ray’s innocence; alleged presence at Lorraine Motel)  
- James Earl Ray (accused of killing MLK)  
- Reverend Ralph Abernathy (SCLC leader, Atlanta)  
- Percy Forman (Ray’s attorney)  
- R. B. Moore (SCLC associate)  
- J. C. Nixon (former campaign manager for Dick Gregory)  
- FBI agents: Ralph C. Hammer, Edward M. Cole, SACs in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Memphis, Mobile; Director FBI; WFO (Washington Field Office)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (Lorraine Motel, site of MLK’s assassination; Memphis Police Department referenced in investigations)  
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Bevel’s residence and interview location; FBI investigation coordination center)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (SCLC leadership, press statements)  
- New York City (potential location for Bevel’s hospitalization)  

Key Events  
- January 19, 1969: Bevel’s televised interview on WCAU-TV during the NFL All-Star Game asserting Ray’s innocence  
- January 21, 1969: FBI interview of Bevel regarding Ray’s alleged innocence and a telegram sent to Ray on January 18, 1969  
- March 18, 1969: *New York Times* article reported Bevel’s claim about a letter provided to Memphis Police in April 1968  
- March 20–28, 1969: FBI instructed Philadelphia to interview Bevel and verify his statement about the letter  
- April 3, 1969: FBI noted rumors of Bevel’s hospitalization for medical treatment  
- April 4–5, 1969: Coverage of MLK’s memorial events and demonstrations at Alabama A&M College in Montgomery, Alabama  

Key Organizations  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Memphis Police Department

MLK Declassified Files

44-ph-1368_sec_008_ser_457-548-part_3_of_6.pdf

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