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Newspaper
Raleigh Register
Location
Beckley, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Jun 13, 1977
Page
14
A condensed profile traces James Earl Ray from a troubled youth in Alton Illinois and Ewing Missouri to later minor robberies and jail terms. It notes his 1968 murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr as his major crime, with a military stint and repeated short jail sentences in Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Brushy Mountain State Prison breakout of James Earl Ray and five others raised speculation of conspiracies. Ray and three others were recaptured by early today after an escape aided by disrupted telephone service and an unmanned guard post. Authorities noted coincidences linked to King’s 1968 assassination and noted Ray’s prior escapes in 1971 and 1972 were unsuccessful before Friday’s successful breakout.
The day’s notices report infant Jamie Marie Allen of Forest Virginia dying in a Lynchburg hospital with graveside rites planned at Forest Hill Memorial Park. Also listed are Dominic Belcastro of Smithers and Donald Lee Clere of Beckley with service details, survivors, and burial plans. Additional notices include Mrs. Custus Cook, Mrs. Nellie Mounts, Mrs. Helen Powell, and Ada Frances Smith with service times, funeral homes, and burial sites. and Aaron E. Wright of Charleston noted as deceased.
President Carter considers five finalists for the FBI directorship after a long panel review. Names reportedly include John Van de Kamp and Sheriff William Lucas as the search narrows from 235 candidates. Morale at the FBI runs low following an editor indictment and protests by agents. Carter also pursues energy legislation and faces Senate pushback amid lobbying by interest groups. Byrd urges patience and cautions Carter to let the process proceed.
Authorities acknowledge 15 to 20 inmates helped divert guards during the escape of James Earl Ray and five others at Brushy Mountain State Prison. Warden Staney Lane said most inmates likely knew of the plan while Ray climbed a wall via a makeshift ladder and a gap in a 2300 volt wire. An internal investigation continues as no charges have been filed.
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