</s>FD-302 (Rev. 1-25-60) DERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION. Date 6-20-68 1 MR. JERRY RAYNES advised he was aware subject had been arrested in England as he had gotten this news on television. MR. RAYNESS stated he had nothing to add to that which he had already told. He stated he has no direct or indirect contact with subject to years. He added he and subject have never been close and subject for years. Disused his and subject or never have him. Mr. RAVNES stated his knows, JOHN is still in St. Louis, He further stated his as he knows, nor is he been contacted for money to send JOHN to England to assist Subject. He added such a gesture would be futile and a waste of time and money. He stated CAROL PEPPER had called him on several occasions since subject's arrest, but never mentioned JOHN, or any collection. He said she was bitter because of the harassment she and her husband are getting and talked with all their neighbors. their home and talked about with all her neighbors. This person took someone attempted to contact him on Monday, but he refused and ordered the men off his land. wanted to interview him, MR. RAVNES was asked if he knew subject had visited in Canada in 1967. He said he did not, he was asked it subject had any friends or associates in Canada, and he stated it was possible but he does not know of any connection subject would have there. 6-14-68 Center, Missouri SL: 44-775 On SA JAMES A. DUFFEY File # 6-17-68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI. and is licensed to your agency; It and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The declassified documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray (JER), a suspect in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his activities post-escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967. Carol Pepper, JER’s sister, provided statements denying knowledge of her brother’s whereabouts or involvement in the murder, while John Larry Ray, another sibling, claimed JER intended to flee the U.S. Financial records show JER and his associates engaged in transactions at Jefferson-Gravois Bank in St. Louis, including deposits totaling over $2,000 between August 1967 and April 1968. Property sales involving Jerry Raynes and Archie Robinson were investigated, though no direct links to the assassination were established. Interviews with neighbors, business associates, and individuals like Naomi Regazzi at Grape Vine Tavern yielded limited evidence connecting JER or his family to MLK’s murder. The FBI sought information on potential motives, financial dealings, and associations but found no conclusive ties beyond circumstantial details.  

Key People  
- **Carol Pepper**: Sister of James Earl Ray; denied knowledge of her brother’s activities post-escape and provided conflicting accounts of his whereabouts.  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; escaped Missouri State Penitentiary in 1967, allegedly planned to flee abroad, and had financial dealings in St. Louis.  
- **John Larry Ray**: Brother of JER; denied contact with him post-release but claimed JER intended to leave the U.S.  
- **Jerry Raynes**: Father of John Larry Ray; referenced in property sales and financial transactions.  
- **Archie Robinson**: St. Louis property owner linked to real estate dealings involving Jerry Raynes.  
- **Naomi Regazzi**: Interviewed by FBI; worked at Grape Vine Tavern and mentioned JER’s brother, Jim Ray, as a potential associate.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Central location for financial transactions, property sales, and interviews with suspects and associates.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City)**: Site of JER’s incarceration prior to his 1967 escape.  
- **Grape Vine Tavern (1982 Arsenal Street)**: Establishments associated with John Ray and Naomi Regazzi.  
- **Bellevue, Maplewood, Missouri**: Carol Pepper’s residence; location of FBI interviews.  
- **Park Avenue, St. Louis**: Property transactions involving Jerry Raynes and Archie Robinson.  

Key Events  
- **JER’s Escape from Missouri State Penitentiary (April–July 1967)**: Investigated through interviews with Carol Pepper and John Larry Ray; no confirmed sightings or arrests.  
- **Financial Transactions at Jefferson-Gravois Bank (August 1967–April 1968)**: JER’s account showed deposits of $2,000+ and withdrawals totaling over $1,500, with checks endorsed to various entities.  
- **Property Sale Involving Jerry Raynes and Archie Robinson**: Investigated as part of JER’s financial activities; no direct link to MLK’s assassination.  
- **FBI Interviews (May–June 1968)**: Conducted with Carol Pepper, John Larry Ray, and Naomi Regazzi to gather information on JER’s whereabouts and associations.  
- **Media Reports Linking JER to MLK’s Murder**: Mentioned in documents but not substantiated by evidence; JER denied any involvement during interviews.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, reviewed financial records, and investigated JER’s activities and associates.  
- **Jefferson-Gravois Bank**: Managed JER’s account and provided transaction details.  
- **Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis**: Employed Carol Pepper at St. Joseph’s School; referenced in her employment history.  
- **Human Development Corporation**: Funded the Head Start Program at St. Joseph’s School, where Carol Pepper worked.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_017_ser_651-697-part_7_of_8.pdf

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