On April 4, 1968, a single bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The official story pinned the murder on James Earl Ray—a fugitive desperate to evade capture—but for decades, the King family has fought to expose a darker truth. In this episode, we uncover the buried evidence, tangled conspiracies, and a stunning 1999 civil trial that found the U.S. government complicit in King’s assassination. What does justice look like for one of history’s most celebrated heroes—and why is so much of this story still left untold?
Please note that today’s episode includes language some listeners might find offensive and references to gun violence. Please take care while listening.
A full transcript of this episode is available here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his “I have been to the mountaintop” speech.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
Lorraine motel shortly after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
“Martin Luther King, Jr. Funeral: King Family and Friends”
“Hot on Ray’s trail, the FBI catches up to him in London and extradites him to the United States on July 19, more than three months after the assassination. Ray arrives in Memphis in a belted straight jacket and leg shackles. Photo Credit: Corbis Images”
“Mug shot of Ray taken on July 8, 1955”
“Dexter King, son of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., meeting with James Earl Ray the man who confessed to killing King.”
“The House Assassinations Committee examining evidence in the killing of Martin Luther King, Jr.”
“Martin Luther King Jr. with his family. PHOTO: TPLP/Getty”
