Summary: The documents detail law enforcement investigations into James Earl Ray’s criminal activities and associations during the 1960s, focusing on his alleged involvement in robberies, burglaries, and potential ties to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Key figures include Jack Gannon (referred to as "GAWRON"), a former associate of Ray with a history of burglary and robbery; Carol Pepper and her family, linked to Ray through shared criminal activities; and Albert Pepper, who operated a tavern in St. Louis. The text references Ray’s 1959 Kroger Store robbery conviction, his escape from the Missouri State Penitentiary in 1967, and speculation about his whereabouts post-escape. While the documents suggest Ray was under investigation for potential involvement in MLK’s assassination, they do not definitively confirm this connection. The FBI and local agencies conducted checks on Ray’s movements, associates, and financial records, including hotel stays, employment history, and travel logs.  

Key People: James Earl Ray, Jack Gannon (GAWRON), Carol Pepper, Albert Pepper, John Ray (possible alias), Jimmy Ray (likely brother of James Earl Ray), Walter E. Nolan, James DAILY, Jerry Raynes, Franklin Ray, Eric Starvo Galt, Karl Galt, Jerome Wallis Vernon, Orville Ernest Gann, John Edward Johnson, Leon Holden Parker, Harold Bockenkamp, Hazel Terrell, Shelley Terreill, Lillian Johnson, Bobby James, W. O. James, James A. Sellers, Homer Townsley, Grace Wise, Jack Allison, Virgil Denton, Leo J. Spino, Kemit Sigfried, Junior Ray Conway, Major John Dougherty  

Key Locations: St. Louis, Missouri; East St. Louis; Portageville, Missouri; Wardell, Missouri; Hickory Street; 1886 Wyoming; 1912 Hickory; 2012 Mississippi; Mac Arthur Hotel; J & R Auto Sales; Memphis, Tennessee  

Key Events: Investigations into Ray’s criminal history (including the 1959 Kroger Store robbery), his escape from the Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967, speculation about his potential location in Europe or Mexico, FBI checks on hotel records, employment, and travel logs, interviews with associates like Carol Pepper and Albert Pepper, and inquiries into Ray’s alleged use of a .243 rifle (#444425).  

Key Organizations: FBI (St. Louis Division), St. Louis Police Department, Manufacturers Bank and Trust Company, Liberty Loan Company, J & R Auto Sales, Memphis Police Department

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_009_ser_529_only-part_1_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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