James Earl Ray

American criminal, convicted for the murder of civil rights activist and Nobel peace prize laureate Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968

James Earl Ray (March 10, 1928 – April 23, 1998) was the man who was convicted of murdering Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr on April 4, 1968. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison.[1] At first he said that he had shot King, but he later said that he did not do it. There are multiple conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination. Majority believe that it was his white supremicist views that caused him to assassinate Martin Luther King, Jr. While others believe it was for his own personal ambition and fiancial gain. Many other conspericies state that it was a government that was the cause of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination, including King's own family and claim the James Earl Ray is innocent.

James Earl Ray
Mug shot of Ray taken in 1955
Born(1928-03-10)March 10, 1928
DiedApril 23, 1998(1998-04-23) (aged 70)
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Cause of deathKidney disease and Liver failure caused by Hepatitis C
Criminal statusDeceased
Spouse
Anna Sandhu
(m. 1978; div. 1993)
ParentJames Gerald Ray
Conviction(s)Murder, prison escape
armed robbery, burglary
Criminal penalty99 years imprisonment (one year was added after his re-capture for a total of 100 years)

Early life

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He was born in Alton, Illinois. He was convicted of burglary, robbery, theft and forgery during the 1950s.

He escaped from prison in 1967.[2]

He died in Nashville, Tennessee from liver failure caused by hepatitis C.[1]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "CNN - James Earl Ray, convicted King assassin, dies - April 23, 1998". edition.cnn.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2006. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  2. Crime Library