</s>OFFICIAL FORM NO. 19 MAY 18E EXCEPTION USA STATE OF CO. (CFO) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : SAC : : DATE: April 25, 1968 FROM : John D. Simmons SUBJECT: JAMES EARL RAY MR. VINCE PADERSON of Millikin University Residence of Capi Signal Fertility Phone:+23-0186. Mr. VINCER PADERSON of Millinkin University residence of Capi Signal Fertility: Phone: +23-02-066. Mr. Paterson picked up subject on North 22nd near the Stateley Paterson was picked up a subject corner of 48 and 121 st. Subject State of the United States going to Peoria, and that he had just come from Kentucky. Subject was wearing an old brown suit and carrying a small suit case. Subject case. ed him, looked like it had been typed written. Subject said he was going to Peora to pick up some money. SEARCHED YLL INDEXPERYZYZ SEALALIZED YELL INDEPENDENT APR 25 1968 FEB1-SPRINGFIELD Bardinuela JDS/Jds. couLlobert Aestured Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 44/561-285 B&D-10-0 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail extensive FBI and law enforcement investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., spanning from 1968 to 1981. Ray, a suspect in the murder, was described as having dark chestnut hair, hazel eyes, a burn scar on his left jaw, and a cut scar on his left middle finger. He was last known to be in St. Louis, Missouri, where he interacted with Mr. Turner, who reported seeing him wearing a pink shirt and white coat with glasses. Ray claimed to be traveling to Peoria, Illinois, for money. His criminal history includes prior convictions for burglary in Indiana, including a 2–5 year sentence at the Indiana Reformatory, followed by incarceration at Menard State Penitentiary after parole violations. Law enforcement sought his brother, Jerry Rayns, and other relatives in Indianapolis and Quincy, Illinois. FBI operations included checking car dealerships, rental agencies, and airline crews for sightings of Ray, with no confirmed leads. The documents also reference a Catholic chaplain’s attempt to locate Ray at Menard State Penitentiary, noting his mother was a semi-invalid with four children. Additional investigations focused on Ray’s alleged associations, including claims by Donald Donda (a prison guard) that Ray killed three Black prisoners in protest over religious worship rights and expressed racist views, stating he would kill MLK if paid. Ray’s associates included Neil Abbey (former prison cook), Donald Dean Rigger (California resident with a psychiatrist wife), Paul Alvin Lail Jr., and William Joseph Kramer, an inmate at Jefferson City Penitentiary whose whereabouts were unclear. The FBI conducted interviews with contacts in Florida, Georgia, and Missouri, checked car dealerships and rental agencies in Atlanta for Ray’s sightings, and sought information on his movements. A separate case involved Roy Willis, a former police officer in Minnesota, who reported that Ray sold an old Lincoln after being transferred to Leavenworth Penitentiary, with proceeds potentially forwarded to an unknown recipient in Quincy, Illinois. The FBI also investigated Buddy Batchelder (convicted criminal incarcerated at Menard State Penitentiary) and Charlie Gunn (tavern owner), while references to Eldorado Township High School yearbooks were used to verify Ray’s attendance. Robert Strader of Lexington, Illinois, allegedly overheard a conversation about the assassination in Detroit and feared for his safety due to threats, prompting FBI coordination with local authorities for protective measures.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (suspect in MLK Jr.’s assassination; described as drug addict, racist, and involved in alleged prisoner killings)  
- John Larry Ray (alias for James Earl Ray)  
- Jerry Rayns (Ray’s brother)  
- Mr. Turner (individual who reported seeing Ray in St. Louis)  
- Donald Donda (prison guard who claimed Ray killed three Black prisoners and expressed intent to kill MLK)  
- Neil Abbey (former prison cook and associate of Ray; last known location unspecified)  
- Donald Dean Rigger (California resident linked to Ray; wife was a psychiatrist at Napa State Hospital)  
- Paul Alvin Lail Jr. (former inmate associated with Ray; linked to Florida locations)  
- William Joseph Kramer (inmate at Jefferson City Penitentiary with Ray; whereabouts unknown after conviction for white slavery)  
- Roy Willis (former police officer in Minnesota who interacted with Ray and provided details about the Lincoln sale)  
- Buddy Batchelder (convicted criminal incarcerated at Menard State Penitentiary; associate of Ray)  
- Charlie Gunn (owner of Alabi Tavern, reportedly connected to Ray)  
- Robert Strader (allegedly overheard assassination-related conversation in Detroit; feared for his safety)  
- Mrs. Strader (spouse of Robert Strader, involved in protective measures due to threats)  

Key Locations  
- St. Louis, Missouri (Ray’s last known location; interaction with Mr. Turner)  
- Quincy, Illinois (Ray’s residence and work history; potential car sale transactions)  
- Indianapolis, Indiana (parole records and family connections)  
- Menard State Penitentiary, Illinois (Ray’s incarceration; Batchelder’s incarceration)  
- Jefferson City, Missouri (Ray’s incarceration; linked to Kramer)  
- Leavenworth Penitentiary, Kansas (Ray was transferred here before selling the car)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (FBI conducted car dealership and rental agency checks for Ray’s sightings)  
- Florida (Deland, Sanford, West Palm Beach) (locations of Ray’s alleged associates and contacts)  
- Napa State Hospital, California (location of Rigger’s wife, a psychiatrist)  
- Eldorado Township High School, Illinois (yearbooks referenced for verifying Ray’s attendance)  
- Lexington, Illinois (home of Robert Strader; site of alleged threats and overheard conversation)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (location of MLK’s assassination; mentioned in context of Strader’s travel)  

Key Events  
- Ray’s parole violations leading to incarceration at Menard State Penitentiary  
- FBI efforts to locate Ray via car dealerships, rental agencies, and airline crews  
- Parole officer Harvey L. Long’s involvement in Ray’s supervision  
- Catholic chaplain’s attempt to confirm Ray’s whereabouts at Menard Penitentiary  
- Ray’s reported interactions with Mr. Turner in St. Louis  
- FBI investigations into Ray’s movements, including interviews with former inmates, prison staff, and employers  
- Checks at car dealerships, rental agencies, and parking lots in Atlanta for Ray’s sightings  
- Attempts to locate Kramer, who was allegedly incarcerated with Ray  
- Interviews with individuals like Harold Schaefer (prison guard) and Walter Terry Riffe (TV interview subject)  
- Reports of suspicious phone calls to Mary Riffe, wife of Walter Terry Riffe, linked to Ray’s potential contact  
- Car sale investigation: FBI sought to trace the Lincoln sold by Ray through motor vehicle records and identify the purchaser  
- Batchelder’s connection: Batchelder, incarcerated at Menard State Penitentiary, was identified as a potential associate of Ray  
- Strader’s threats: Robert Strader allegedly overheard a conversation about MLK’s assassination in Detroit and faced threats, prompting FBI intervention  
- School attendance verification: Request to confirm Ray’s attendance at Eldorado Township High School via yearbooks  
- Protective measures: FBI coordinated with local authorities to safeguard Robert Strader due to perceived danger  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Indiana Reformatory (Ray’s prior incarceration)  
- Illinois State Penitentiary at Menard  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (Ray’s incarceration and alleged prisoner killings)  
- Napa State Hospital (location associated with Donald Dean Rigger’s wife)  
- Local Police Departments (e.g., Hannibal, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois)  
- Catholic Chaplaincy at Menard State Penitentiary

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_005_ser_279-366-part_2_of_8.pdf

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