</s>Ray's stipulated judicial confession comports in detail with the facts disclosed by the investigation and the failure of the self-serving stories persuasively undermines the likelihood of any conspiracy. -90- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details the FBI's investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray as the primary suspect. It outlines Ray’s criminal history, psychological profile, and potential motives for the crime. Inmates at various prisons described Ray’s racist attitudes, including statements about killing black prisoners and Dr. King. The FBI examined Ray’s financial activities post-escape, noting substantial expenditures that suggested possible co-conspirators or independent criminal activity. Family members, particularly Jerry and John Ray, were identified as having contact with Ray during his imprisonment and after his escape, though their involvement remains unclear. The investigation concluded Ray acted alone based on evidence, including his judicial confession and forensic findings, but acknowledged unresolved questions about his financial sources and potential family assistance.  

The document also details the FBI’s surveillance and security investigation of Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), driven by the belief that they were influenced by the Communist Party USA (CPUSA). The Bureau initiated technical surveillance, including microphone installations at hotels in New York City, based on claims that MLK’s advisor was a CPUSA member. Internal FBI conflicts, such as Director J. Edgar Hoover’s disdain for MLK and disputes over coordination with the Department of Justice, are highlighted. The investigation’s justification was questioned due to lack of evidence linking MLK or the SCLC to CPUSA. Surveillance activities included electronic monitoring at locations like the Americana Hotel (1966) and the Willard Hotel (1964), with transcripts disseminated to government officials. The Bureau’s actions were criticized for being politically motivated, with some operations deemed illegal or unethical.  

The document outlines FBI activities related to surveillance, discrediting efforts, and intelligence operations targeting MLK and his associates following the 1968 assassination. It details the Bureau's dissemination of derogatory information about MLK to British officials in November 1964, including briefings on his alleged communist affiliations. The FBI also engaged in efforts to prevent a national holiday honoring MLK by briefing Congress members and providing a monograph to the President and Attorney General in 1969. Investigations targeted Coretta King, Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young, with plans to leak information about their alleged conspiracies to maintain media attention. The Bureau requested reports on "immoral activities" of MLK’s associates and conducted illegal entries into SCLC premises to gather intelligence, including obtaining handwriting samples. Informants within the SCLC were employed despite concerns about financial impropriety, with no disciplinary action taken.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of Dr. King; had a criminal record, expressed racist views, and made statements about killing black prisoners and King.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Brother of James Earl Ray; had contact with him during imprisonment and post-escape, potentially lied to FBI agents.  
- **John Ray**: Another brother of James Earl Ray; visited James in prison and was associated with financial transactions.  
- **Emma Morales**: Mexican woman who knew Ray in Puerto Vallarta; reported his racist remarks and possession of a weapon.  
- **Dr. Mark Freeman**: Psychologist who assessed Ray’s personality, noting sociopathic traits and potential for violence.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: FBI Director who expressed hostility toward MLK and supported surveillance efforts.  
- **William C. Sullivan**: Assistant Director of Domestic Intelligence Division, involved in planning surveillance and internal debates about communist influence.  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Attorney General who initially considered technical surveillance on MLK but later denied the request.  
- **Ralph Abernathy**: Targeted by the Bureau for surveillance and alleged conspiracies.  
- **Coretta King**: Subject of scrutiny by the FBI, including plans to leak information about her.  
- **Andrew Young**: Monitored as part of the Bureau's intelligence operations.  
- **William Sullivan (SAC in Atlanta)**: Reported on MLK’s complaints about Hoover.  
- **Section Chief Baumgartner**: Recommended briefings on MLK’s background.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Where Ray was incarcerated; inmates described his racist behavior and threats against black prisoners.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Mexico**: Site of an incident where Ray allegedly threatened to kill blacks.  
- **Winnetka, Illinois**: Restaurant where Ray worked as a dishwasher and cook’s helper, earning $6664 between May 1967 and June 1967.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Where Ray was believed to have traveled after escaping prison in 1967.  
- **Americana Hotel (New York City)**: Site of microphone surveillance installed in January 1966.  
- **Sheraton Atlantic (New York City)**: Monitored during 1965–1966.  
- **Willard Hotel (Washington, D.C.)**: Subject of extensive electronic surveillance from 1964.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Location of MLK’s residence and associated conversations monitored by the FBI.  
- **England**: Where MLK planned to meet British officials, prompting FBI briefings.  

Key Events  
- **Ray's criminal activities**: Robbery, forgery, burglary; incarcerated for these offenses.  
- **Inmate accounts of Ray’s racism**: Statements about killing black prisoners and Dr. King, including a $1 million bounty on King’s head.  
- **Financial investigations**: FBI examined Ray’s expenditures post-escape, noting possible sources like employment at Winnetka restaurant or independent criminal activity.  
- **Family contact**: Jerry and John Ray visited James in prison; Jerry later interacted with him after escape, including a car transfer.  
- **FBI investigation findings**: Concluded Ray acted alone based on evidence, though unresolved questions about his finances and family assistance remain.  
- **May 22, 1961**: FBI Assistant Director Alex Rosen noted Dr. King had not been investigated prior to this date.  
- **August 1963**: FBI submitted a report on communist influence in the civil rights movement, prompting Hoover’s criticism of earlier assessments.  
- **October 1963**: FBI authorized technical surveillance of MLK’s residence and SCLC office in New York City.  
- **December 1964**: Public dispute between MLK and Hoover escalated after Hoover criticized MLK during a congressional testimony.  
- **June 1968**: Bureau transmitted six volumes of transcripts from electronic surveillance to the White House, including details on MLK’s activities.  
- **November 1964**: FBI briefed British officials on MLK’s alleged communist ties.  
- **January 1965**: Surveillance revealed MLK’s complaints about Hoover’s meetings with Atlanta officials.  
- **Post-assassination efforts (1968)**: Bureau attempted to prevent a national holiday for MLK by briefing Congress and providing monographs.  
- **1969–1970**: FBI conducted illegal entries into SCLC premises to gather intelligence, including obtaining handwriting samples.  
- **1970**: Hoover provided information to Vice President Agnew about Ralph Abernathy’s inflammatory statements.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the primary investigation into the assassination, examining Ray’s background, motives, and financial activities; also conducted surveillance, technical monitoring, and internal debates about communist influence; engaged in discrediting efforts, illegal entries, and intelligence operations targeting MLK and SCLC.  
- **Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)**: Organization led by MLK under investigation for alleged CPUSA ties; targeted by FBI for intelligence gathering through informants and physical entries.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Not implicated in conspiracy; FBI found no evidence of complicity.  
- **U.S. Attorney's Office**: Involved in legal proceedings against Ray, though the FBI faced criticism for delayed reporting to authorities.  
- **Department of Justice**: Involved in legal oversight of FBI activities, including Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy’s role.  
- **Committee on the Judiciary (Senate Select Committee)**: Previously investigated FBI actions related to civil rights and MLK.

MLK Declassified Files

80-ph-1591_sec_000_ser_138-part_3_of_5.pdf

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