James Earl Ray
James Earl Ray | |
|---|---|
 Mug shot of Ray taken in 1955 | |
| Born | March 10, 1928 |
| Died | April 23, 1998 (aged 70) |
| Cause of death | Kidney disease and Liver failure caused by Hepatitis C |
| Criminal status | Deceased |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Sandhu (m. 1978; div. 1993) |
| Parent | James Gerald Ray |
| Conviction(s) | Murder, prison escape armed robbery, burglary |
| Criminal penalty | 99 years imprisonment (one year was added after his re-capture for a total of 100 years) |
James Earl Ray (March 10, 1928 – April 23, 1998) was the man who was convicted of murdering 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.
Early life[change | change source]
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]
Death[change | change source]
He died in Nashville, Tennessee from liver failure caused by hepatitis C.[1]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "CNN - James Earl Ray, convicted King assassin, dies - April 23, 1998". edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
- ↑ Crime Library
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