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Famous criminal lawyer Percy Foreman talks his way in by telling Ray that his will be the easiest case he ever argued. Then, at the last moment, he informs Ray that he must plead guilty. Was Foreman working for someone offstage?
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01/24/22 • 43 min
3 Listeners
The MLK Tapes - Sweet-Talking Percy [4]
Transcript Summary
In the episode titled "Sweet-Talking Percy [4]" of The MLK Tapes podcast, a deep dive into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a troubling portrayal of attorney Percy Foreman emerges. Foreman convinced James Earl Ray, the alleged assassin, to sign contracts that stripped him of his assets under false pretenses, citing the need for funds for another attorney. Initially promising to go to trial, Foreman later coerced Ray into pleading guilty by threatening to jail his father and brother. Ray attempted to overturn the plea, but the judge's untimely death halted any progress. Foreman's motives and credibility are called into question as he fails to produce a letter Ray denies writing and contradicts himself regarding a magazine article. Suspicions arise that Foreman manipulated Ray for personal gain, while defense attorneys offered assistance and evidence that Foreman showed no interest in. With new witness accounts and allegations of obstruction of justice, this gripping episode exposes the questionable actions and motives of Percy Foreman, shedding light on a complex and intriguing aspect of Dr. King's assassination.
Transcript
Welcome to the MLK Tapes, a production of I Heart Radio and Tenderfoot TV. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or individuals participating in the podcast, and do not represent those of I Heart Media, Tenderfoot TV, or their employees. Listener discretion is advised. We had witness statements, outlines of arguments. I mean, we had a complete ready file. He came through Birmingham and we offered
Sweet-Talking Percy [4] Top Questions Answered
Was James Earl Ray set up for the murder of Martin Luther King Jr.?
Defense attorneys believed James Earl Ray had been set up for the murder of Martin Luther King Jr.
Who took over James Earl Ray's defense after his previous attorneys were removed?
Famous attorney Percy Foreman took over James Earl Ray's defense after his previous attorneys were removed.
What did investigative writer William Bradford Huey offer in exchange for funding Ray's defense?
William Bradford Huey offered money upfront to fund Ray's defense in exchange for access to write a book about the case.
What did Ray's handwritten answers to Huey's questions reveal?
Ray's handwritten answers to Huey's questions revealed his story of a prison break and being directed by a man named Raoul.
Why were Ray's attorneys hesitant to let him testify in court?
Ray's attorneys were hesitant to let him testify in court due to his criminal record.
What did Percy Foreman convince Ray to do regarding his assets?
Percy Foreman convinced Ray to sign over his assets as a retainer, promising to work without literary contracts.
Why did Foreman push for literary contracts later on?
Foreman later pushed for literary contracts because his primary goal was to make money from a book and movie about the case.
What happened when Ray attempted to have his guilty plea overturned?
Ray attempted to have his guilty plea overturned and go to trial, but the judge who was to rule on his petition died of a heart attack.
Did Percy Foreman claim to lose Ray's confession letter?
Yes, Percy Foreman claimed that the letter written by James Earl Ray confessing to the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. was lost with all his other files on the case.
Did Foreman write an article about the case in Look magazine?
Foreman initially stated that he wrote the article in Look magazine, but later changed his story, saying none of the words were his and that the entire article was rewritten.
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