Black History: Special Delivery!!
On December 8, 1999, in a civil trial in Memphis, TN, jurors reached the unanimous verdict that Dr. King was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy. In an interview after the verdict, Coretta Scott King stat that the mafia, local, state, and federal government agencies were involved in the assassination of Dr. King.
The jury also indicated their belief that there was significant evidence to indicate that James Earl Ray did not shoot Dr. King. Evidence suggests that Ray was set up to take the blame. After being arrested, Ray was advised by his attorney to plead guilty, which he did. However, he later recanted his story. He then requested a trial. The judge refused his request and he was sentenced to 99 years in prison. This verdict in civil court was rendered nearly 32 years after King was assassinated. The verdict came one year after Ray died in prison.
For more information and to view a full transcript of the trial, visit the King Center website.
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