No Early Parole Bid for Dr. King’s Killer
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NASHVILLE — A decision by Gov. Ned McWherter that blocks early parole reviews for some prisoners will prevent such a hearing for James Earl Ray, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s killer, for 10 years.
The governor was praised by a black political leader for amending a 1985 gubernatorial directive that orders such reviews to relieve prison overcrowding.
“It shows he has concern for all people regardless of race,” said James M. Brown, chairman of the Tennessee Voters Council.
McWherter’s action Thursday excludes inmates from such reviews if they have been convicted of escape, attempt to escape or assault on or homicide of an inmate or prison official.
His decision will not affect Ray’s original parole eligibility date in 1998, but it removes him from consideration for early release because of his escape record.
Ray killed King in Memphis on April 4, 1968. He is serving a 99-year term at a state prison, from which he escaped in June, 1977.
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