</s>ME 44-1987 TOR/acp ASSOCIATES Missouri State Penitentiary resides at Stark Street, Seagoville, Texas. He was acquired. BILLY BROWN ABBY, interviewed at Dallas, Texas, and with JAMES EARL RAY during the period 1961 - 1964 while serving at StARK STARK CONCurrent 9-year sentences at the Missouri state penitentiary. He and RAY worked in the prison bakery. RAY used antientiary. The man was also a member of the sale of the antientitary. He had been benzardine and the other immates. These items were being obtained by RAY, apparently inmates. The men were not allowed to play poker and appeared considered a good player; were mild and played poker. timed to persons not knowing him well. He did not have any special interests and did not express any opinions having the Negroes, and did no experience any women, clothes, drinking, and the outside world in general. RICHARD BEAMAN, MSP (07604), serving life for murder at the Mississippi State Penitentiary and worked in April 1967 in the hospital of the prison. RAY was known to him by sight and though he did not associate with RAY in his sight and thought he was not allowed in the kitchen. RAY was very quiet and there was information available as to his personal habits and no beliefs. He also had no knowledge of RAY's associates. JULULUS MAURICE BLOCK, formerly of the Missouri State Penitentiaries, is currently incarcerated at the Federal penitentiary, and is currently in the state of Missouri. bakery with JAMES EARL RAV, RAY were characterized as the loner, known to purchase the physical favors of homosexuals while in Missouri State Penentiary, although it is believed to seek sexual relations with women outside the prison walls. RAY reportedly stabbed one inmate in the Missouri state Penitentitary while the victim was held by another inmate. Reportedly RAY used to steal locks from different doors in the bakery and kitchen area and practice picking these locks later in the day. 47 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
This document compiles inmate accounts and prison records detailing James Earl Ray’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (1950s–1960s), Mississippi State Penitentiary, and Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Inmates describe Ray as a loner with a history of drug use (amphetamines), escape attempts involving tunneling and bread delivery methods, and alleged criminal activities including theft, drug trafficking, and violence. Multiple inmates report Ray discussing his intent to kill Martin Luther King Jr., referencing a $100,000 bounty for the assassination and plans to flee to Mexico or New Orleans. His physical traits (cleft chin, distinctive gait) and interactions with figures like Johnny Valenti, Milton Zavaloski, and Eric Starvo Galt are noted. The text also includes prison operations such as food distribution, riots involving Black Muslim inmates, and Ray’s alleged anti-Negro sentiments. A social security number is redacted as [SSN REDACTED].  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure; described as a loner with escape plans, drug addiction, and alleged intent to kill MLK.  
- **Billy Brown**: Inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary who reported Ray’s statements about killing MLK.  
- **Richard Beaman**: Inmate at Mississippi State Penitentiary noting Ray’s quiet demeanor.  
- **Johnny Valenti**: Linked to Ray’s escape plans and drug activities.  
- **Milton Zavaloski**: Identified as "Boston's" associated with Ray; mentioned in prison interactions.  
- **Eric Starvo Galt (GALT)**: Associated with Ray through prison contacts; linked to Los Angeles, New Orleans, and political registration efforts for George Wallace’s party.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Intermediary who relayed requests from Ray while incarcerated.  
- **John Ray**: Possibly related to James Earl Ray; mentioned in context of his movements.  
- **GAWRON**: Individual with knowledge of Ray’s criminal activities and whereabouts, including alleged presence in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1967.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City)**: Primary location for Ray’s incarceration; site of drug trafficking, escape attempts, and inmate interactions.  
- **Mississippi State Penitentiary**: Mentioned in relation to Ray’s incarceration and inmate Howard Nunn.  
- **Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary (Kansas)**: Site of Ray’s later incarceration; noted for prison operations and inmate activities.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Allocated as a destination Ray allegedly discussed post-release.  
- **Mexico**: Mentioned in connection to Ray’s escape plans and travel.  
- **Omaha, Nebraska**: Noted as a location where Ray was allegedly present in 1967.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s alleged plan to kill MLK**: Multiple inmates reported discussions about assassinating MLK, referencing a $100,000 bounty and plans to hide in Mexico or New Orleans.  
- **Escape attempts**: Described as frequent; included tunneling activities, bread delivery methods for escape, and tools found during searches.  
- **Prison riots**: A 1966 riot at Missouri State Penitentiary occurred after Black Muslim inmates petitioned for religious services, leading to weapon searches and conflicts.  
- **Drug trafficking**: Ray involved in amphetamine sales within prisons; obtained drugs through contacts and bribes to guards.  
- **Anti-Negro sentiments**: Some accounts suggest Ray expressed disdain for Black individuals, potentially influencing his alleged motive for violence.  
- **Interactions with GALT**: GALT associated with Ray’s prison contacts and post-release activities in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Mexico.  

Key Organizations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central to Ray’s incarceration; managed prison operations including food distribution and security.  
- **Black Muslims**: Mentioned in the context of a 1966 petition for religious services at Missouri State Penitentiary, which led to a riot.  
- **FBI**: Provided identification records (e.g., FBI No. 48187) and case numbers related to Ray’s criminal activities.  
- **Local police departments (e.g., St. Louis PD, Los Angeles PD)**: Involved in documenting Ray’s offenses and movements.  
- **U.S. Postal Service**: Mentioned in relation to forgery charges and money order transactions linked to Ray’s criminal history.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_016_ser_650_only-part_2_of_5.pdf

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