Hampton Sides, author of Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Hunt for His Assassin, and Stephen Ives, director of the documentary "Roads to Memphis," talk about James Earl Ray, the escaped convict who shot and killed Dr. Martin Luther King. They recount his escape from prison, his journeys across the country in pursuit of King, and the international search for him after the assassination. "Roads to Memphis" part of PBS’s American Experience, premiers on PBS Monday, May 3.

Comments [8]
Nick from Flushing, NY - I've read the book you cite, and it's badly written and badly researched. Why anyone would believe a story concocted by an institutionalized hardened criminal like James Earl Ray, is beyond me. As for Rob Kassabian from Brooklyn's mention of a "brand new Ford Mustang," the guests clearly state Ray was a stone cold thief. There is also clear evidence that Ray's brother and other family members supplied him with money.
Sounds like a good opportunity to focus a spotlight on mental illness and the possible ramifications of not addressing it as a society.
If you had a photograph you should present it and see what happens, don't assume what would happen as if you are talking to morons thanks.
What did Hampton just say? Did he just say the N word instead of saying he used the "N word?"
Are Mr. Sides and Mr. Ives aware of the book "An Act of Stste; The Execution of Martin Luther King," by William F. Pepper? Are they aware of the 1999 civil action suit brought by the King family, WHICH THEY WON? How can they assert with certainty that James Earl Ray was Dr. King's assassin?
Wise men and women know who stalked and eventually killed The Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
James Earl Ray was driving around in a brand new Ford Mustang that he purchased with cash shortly before the assassination. How does a recently escaped convict afford such a nice car unless there are backers that want King dead that are financing his journeys?
Bayard Ruskin taught MLK early on to be non-violent.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.