</s>SL: 88-7447 subject's brother, JERRY RAY, for more detailed information concerning various members of subject's family, including the individual referred to by CAROL as "DADDY", who recently moved to Poplar Bluff, Mo. Will determine from JERKY RAY whether or not subject's mother prior to her death was married to an individual by the name of her mother, this person might presently be located if he is still living. ST. LOUIS DIVISION: AT ST. LOUSIS, MO: Will attempt to locate the JAY (ROSEMARY) SHIRLEY family and interview them for available information concerning possible whereabouts of subject and identify the other. members of the family who might be in possession of information of value. Will consider the advisability of interviewing ALBERT S. PEPPER after additional background information on the PEPPER family has been developed. ARMED AND DANGEROUS. 3 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements, associations, and alleged criminal activities between 1963 and 1968, focusing on his incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP), interactions with fellow inmates, and potential links to organized crime groups. Key aspects include Ray’s alleged discussions about assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., financial interests, escape attempts, and connections to a 1963 Atlanta oil company robbery. The FBI sought information on Ray’s prison behavior, parole status, and associations with individuals like John Paul Valenti, William D. Paisley, and Thomas Britton. Investigations also examined Ray’s alleged involvement in prison lotteries, the stabbing of three Black inmates, and his financial motivations, including a $100,000 offer for MLK’s assassination mentioned by an unnamed source. Efforts to verify claims involved cross-referencing prison records, parole files, and interviews with former inmates and associates.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central subject; described as quiet, reserved, and focused on financial gain during incarceration.  
- **John Paul Valenti**: Fellow inmate at MSP; alleged to have discussed plans to kill MLK with Ray, referencing a $10,000 offer.  
- **Thomas Britton**: Confidential source who provided details about Ray’s prison activities, including his interest in making money and escape attempts.  
- **William D. Paisley**: Birmingham resident linked to Ray’s activities; mentioned in connection with an Atlanta oil company robbery.  
- **Melvin Oliver Gridley** and **Milton Zavalcopski**: Former inmates interviewed for information on Ray’s movements and associations.  
- **Johnny Valenti** (possibly John Paul Valenti): Inmate involved in prison lotteries, described as having a gunshot wound to the face.  
- **"Boston"**: Inmate associated with Valenti’s lottery operations; had a 25-year sentence.  
- **Craig**: Inmate linked to Cooley’s organization, seeking protection for potential "murder arrangements."  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration; housing J Hall and Church Farm.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Mentioned in context of Ray’s past visits and newspaper subscriptions.  
- **Kansas City, Missouri**: Site of prison records and police investigations related to Valenti.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Allocated for a 1963 oil company robbery linked to Ray and Valenti.  
- **Montreal, Canada** and **Jalisco, Mexico**: Locations where Ray resided between 1967–1968.  
- **Springfield, Missouri**: Site of a county jail where Craig was logged as a "four loser."  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s escape from MSP in April 1967**: Alleged attempt to evade capture by hiding in a truck.  
- **Prison lotteries**: Ray participated in daily lotteries organized by Valenti and "Boston," handling wagers for reimbursement.  
- **Stabbing incident at MSP**: Three Black inmates were stabbed to death in a shower room; Ray was not implicated but rumored to be involved.  
- **Alleged 1963 Atlanta oil company robbery**: Linked to Ray and Valenti, with FBI efforts to verify connections.  
- **$10,000 offer for MLK’s assassination**: Mentioned by Valenti as a potential incentive; later referenced in another context as a $100,000 offer.  
- **Cooley’s organization**: Described as a prison-based racketeering group with influence over guards and potential to arrange "murders."  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s movements, associations, and criminal activities across multiple offices (St. Louis, Memphis, Kansas City, Atlanta).  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central to Ray’s incarceration and prison-related crimes.  
- **Cooley’s**: Prison-based organization alleged to provide protection and favors to inmates, with potential ties to criminal activities.  
- **Louisiana-Arkansas Railroad**: Mentioned in connection to Bettye Pritchard, wife of John Paul Valenti.  
- **Superior Bulk Film Co. (Chicago, IL)**: Linked to William D. Paisley’s associations with Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_03-02-part_3_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search