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In a few days we'll be celebrating the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his memory, I believe followers would like to know that a trial was held regarding Rev. King's assassination in the Memphis, TN courthouse November 15 to December 8, 1999. There were 72 witnesses, including Ms. King and Dexter King.

The trial was prompted by the confession (with the promise of immunity) by Loyd Jowers, the owner of a cafe directly across from the balcony on which Rev. King was assassinated, of his complicity, along with others', including a Memphis police officer, in the assassination.

The verdict was unanimous that Jowers and the others were guilty and that James Earl Ray was innocent. A complete transcript of the trial, "The Thirteenth Juror" by William Pepper, is readily available. Further information may also be obtained at

The U.S. media virtually ignored the proceedings and the verdict. Local writer James W. Douglass, who attended the trial, said that on the first day, all the media were present, including Court TV. On the second day all were absent.

James Earl Ray died of cancer in prison in 1998. Was justice denied Ray, as well as "we the people"?

Eileen Walbert

Birmingham