329 "Got any binoculars?": "Got any binoculars?": The pa.s.sage concerning Galt's purchase of binoculars at York Arms sporting goods store is largely drawn from the initial FBI interview with Carpenter, conducted on April 5, 1968, by Special Agents Robert Goodwin and Ralph Liewer. I also relied on the Memphis Police Department statement "Ralph Meredith Carpenter, Salesman, York Arms Company," April 9, 1968, Hughes Collection. The pa.s.sage concerning Galt's purchase of binoculars at York Arms sporting goods store is largely drawn from the initial FBI interview with Carpenter, conducted on April 5, 1968, by Special Agents Robert Goodwin and Ralph Liewer. I also relied on the Memphis Police Department statement "Ralph Meredith Carpenter, Salesman, York Arms Company," April 9, 1968, Hughes Collection.

330 back at their surveillance post: back at their surveillance post: My account of Redditt and Richmond undertaking surveillance work from inside the fire station is largely drawn from the Memphis Police Department statements "Edward E. Redditt, Detective with the Memphis Police Department," April 10, 1968, and "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers, Gotlieb Center, as well as my interview with Richmond, December 30, 2009. My account of Redditt and Richmond undertaking surveillance work from inside the fire station is largely drawn from the Memphis Police Department statements "Edward E. Redditt, Detective with the Memphis Police Department," April 10, 1968, and "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers, Gotlieb Center, as well as my interview with Richmond, December 30, 2009.

331 They all sat around joking: They all sat around joking: Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky. Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky.

332 decided to call their mother: decided to call their mother: Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 438; Garrow, Bearing the Cross Bearing the Cross, p. 622.

333 "He really sensed": "He really sensed": Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers. Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers.

334 "Senator, you like soul food?": "Senator, you like soul food?": Ibid. Ibid.

335 Where you been all day?: Where you been all day?: Young, Young, Easy Burden Easy Burden, pp. 463-64.

336 full-scale pillow fight: full-scale pillow fight: Ibid., p. 464. Ibid., p. 464.

337 Elizabeth Copeland: Elizabeth Copeland: Copeland was interviewed by Memphis FBI agents on April 5, 1968, FBI, MURKIN Files, ME, sub. D, sec. 1, p. 18. Copeland was interviewed by Memphis FBI agents on April 5, 1968, FBI, MURKIN Files, ME, sub. D, sec. 1, p. 18.

338 Peggy Hurley: Peggy Hurley: The FBI interviewed Hurley on April 5, 1968, FBI, MURKIN Files, ME, sub. D, sec. 1, p. 3. The FBI interviewed Hurley on April 5, 1968, FBI, MURKIN Files, ME, sub. D, sec. 1, p. 3.

339 Once inside 5B: Once inside 5B: Details about what Galt did inside 5B are primarily drawn from the Memphis Police Department and FBI investigations of the room immediately after the a.s.sa.s.sination. His binocular straps were found on the floor; the dresser had been moved away from the open window; the straight-backed chair was placed in front of the window. Details about what Galt did inside 5B are primarily drawn from the Memphis Police Department and FBI investigations of the room immediately after the a.s.sa.s.sination. His binocular straps were found on the floor; the dresser had been moved away from the open window; the straight-backed chair was placed in front of the window.

340 At that moment, King was inside the room with Abernathy: At that moment, King was inside the room with Abernathy: My account of King's last hour is adapted from multiple sources, including Abernathy, My account of King's last hour is adapted from multiple sources, including Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, pp. 438-39; Garrow, Bearing the Cross Bearing the Cross, p. 623; Branch, At Canaan's Edge At Canaan's Edge, p. 765. See also Abernathy's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations, Appendix Reports Appendix Reports, vol. 1, p. 30.

341 Magic Shaving Powder: Magic Shaving Powder: Frank, Frank, American Death American Death, p. 66.

342 "Billy, we're not going to get "Billy, we're not going to get real real soul food": soul food": Kyles's recollection of the late afternoon he spent with King and Abernathy at the Lorraine is primarily drawn from his interviews for the Insignia Films doc.u.mentary Kyles's recollection of the late afternoon he spent with King and Abernathy at the Lorraine is primarily drawn from his interviews for the Insignia Films doc.u.mentary Roads to Memphis Roads to Memphis, produced for the PBS program American Experience American Experience.

343 Richmond, watching through his binoculars: Richmond, watching through his binoculars: Memphis Police Department statement, "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers. I also relied on Richmond's report to the Inspectional Bureau of the Memphis Police Department, dated April 4, 1968, and signed "W. B. Richmond," Hughes Collection. Memphis Police Department statement, "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers. I also relied on Richmond's report to the Inspectional Bureau of the Memphis Police Department, dated April 4, 1968, and signed "W. B. Richmond," Hughes Collection.

344 George Loenneke: George Loenneke: FBI interview with Loenneke, conducted on April 13, 1968, by Special Agents Edward Quinn and Shields Smith, Hughes Collection. I also consulted the Memphis Police Department statement "George Loenneke, Lieutenant at Fire Station #2," box 5, Posner Papers. FBI interview with Loenneke, conducted on April 13, 1968, by Special Agents Edward Quinn and Shields Smith, Hughes Collection. I also consulted the Memphis Police Department statement "George Loenneke, Lieutenant at Fire Station #2," box 5, Posner Papers.

345 could hear the new roomer's footsteps: could hear the new roomer's footsteps: FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection. FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection.

CHAPTER 23.

AT THE RIVER I STAND.

346 "I'd feel like a bird in a cage": "I'd feel like a bird in a cage": Garrow, Garrow, Bearing the Cross Bearing the Cross, p. 607.

347 He wouldn't even let his children carry He wouldn't even let his children carry toy toy guns: guns: See Dexter King, See Dexter King, Growing Up King Growing Up King, pp. 34-35.

348 "He just act so different": "He just act so different": Bailey, quoted in the Bailey, quoted in the Memphis Commercial Appeal Memphis Commercial Appeal, April 6, 1968, p. 8.

349 Willie Anschutz: Willie Anschutz: FBI interview with Anschutz, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection. FBI interview with Anschutz, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection.

350 "an undue length of time": "an undue length of time": FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection. FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection.

351 "In a second": "In a second": This pa.s.sage is primarily drawn from Abernathy, This pa.s.sage is primarily drawn from Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 440. See also Abernathy's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations, Appendix Reports Appendix Reports, vol. 1, p. 20.

352 "Nothing is gained without sacrifice": "Nothing is gained without sacrifice": In December 2008, this sc.r.a.p of paper found in King's coat pocket after his death was put up for auction at Sotheby's in New York City by King's friend the actor and singer, Harry Belafonte, and was widely reported in the media. Belafonte said proceeds from the sale would go to charity. In December 2008, this sc.r.a.p of paper found in King's coat pocket after his death was put up for auction at Sotheby's in New York City by King's friend the actor and singer, Harry Belafonte, and was widely reported in the media. Belafonte said proceeds from the sale would go to charity.

353 "I want you to come to dinner": "I want you to come to dinner": King's last words to members of his staff, uttered from the balcony, have been adapted from a mult.i.tude of sources. See Young, King's last words to members of his staff, uttered from the balcony, have been adapted from a mult.i.tude of sources. See Young, Easy Burden Easy Burden, p. 464, and Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 440. See also Garrow, Bearing the Cross Bearing the Cross, p. 623; Branch, At Canaan's Edge At Canaan's Edge, p. 766; Frank, American Death American Death, pp. 73-74; and Raines, My Soul Is Rested My Soul Is Rested, p. 469. I have also made use of interviews with the Reverend Billy Kyles and Andrew Young taken for the Insignia Films doc.u.mentary Roads to Memphis Roads to Memphis, produced for the PBS program American Experience American Experience by WGBH in Boston. by WGBH in Boston.

354 Georgia Davis was down in 201: Georgia Davis was down in 201: Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky. Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky.

355 Inside the mildewy bathroom: Inside the mildewy bathroom: My depiction of Galt's actions inside the bathroom is taken from James Earl Ray's own confession (as part of his plea bargain in 1969), as well as Memphis Police Department and FBI investigations of the bathroom immediately following the a.s.sa.s.sination and interviews conducted with the tenants Charlie Stephens and Willie Anschutz. Among the findings: the bathroom window facing the Lorraine was opened several inches, the screen pried loose and found lying on the ground below; a palm print was left on the wall; and scuff marks were found in the tub. My depiction of Galt's actions inside the bathroom is taken from James Earl Ray's own confession (as part of his plea bargain in 1969), as well as Memphis Police Department and FBI investigations of the bathroom immediately following the a.s.sa.s.sination and interviews conducted with the tenants Charlie Stephens and Willie Anschutz. Among the findings: the bathroom window facing the Lorraine was opened several inches, the screen pried loose and found lying on the ground below; a palm print was left on the wall; and scuff marks were found in the tub.

356 bathroom was disgustingly dirty: bathroom was disgustingly dirty: My detailed description of the flophouse bathroom, including the condition of the toilet and bathtub, is primarily drawn from crime scene photographs taken by homicide detectives of the Memphis Police Department, on April 4 and 5, 1968, Hughes Collection. I also consulted photographs of the bathroom taken by the Memphis photographer Ernest Withers, Withers Collection. My detailed description of the flophouse bathroom, including the condition of the toilet and bathtub, is primarily drawn from crime scene photographs taken by homicide detectives of the Memphis Police Department, on April 4 and 5, 1968, Hughes Collection. I also consulted photographs of the bathroom taken by the Memphis photographer Ernest Withers, Withers Collection.

357 watching the Lorraine: watching the Lorraine: Memphis Police Department statement "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers, Gotlieb Center. Memphis Police Department statement "Ptm. W. B. Richmond, Inspectional Bureau," April 9, 1968, box 5, Posner Papers, Gotlieb Center.

358 "He's been shot!": "He's been shot!": Ibid. Ibid.

359 "I know a shot when I hear one": "I know a shot when I hear one": FBI interview with Stephens, April 4, 1968. FBI interview with Stephens, April 4, 1968.

360 Charlie Stephens opened the door: Charlie Stephens opened the door: Ibid. Ibid.

361 "Hey, that sounded like a "Hey, that sounded like a shot!": shot!": FBI interview with Anschutz, April 4, 1968. FBI interview with Anschutz, April 4, 1968.

CHAPTER 24.

LIKE A MAN ON A CROSS.

362 "His arms went out": "His arms went out": Frady, Frady, Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr., p. 205.

363 "Oh my G.o.d, Martin's been shot!": "Oh my G.o.d, Martin's been shot!": My account of the shot and its immediate aftermath is drawn from dozens of sources, including photographs, newspaper accounts, oral histories, and official records. I especially relied on Abernathy's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations (hereafter HSCA), My account of the shot and its immediate aftermath is drawn from dozens of sources, including photographs, newspaper accounts, oral histories, and official records. I especially relied on Abernathy's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations (hereafter HSCA), Appendix Reports Appendix Reports, vol. 1, p. 20; Abernathy's memoir, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, pp. 440-42; Young's memoir Easy Burden Easy Burden, pp. 464-65; and Memphis Police Department statements and FBI interviews gathered from witnesses at the Lorraine Motel, Hughes Collection. I also consulted "The Last Moments: Memphis, Tenn., April 4, 1968," in HSCA, Final a.s.sa.s.sinations Report Final a.s.sa.s.sinations Report, pp. 282-85.

364 "It's all right": "It's all right": Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 441.

365 made a solid thunk: made a solid thunk: FBI interview with Canipe, April 5, 1968, Hughes Collection. FBI interview with Canipe, April 5, 1968, Hughes Collection.

366 "The understanding": "The understanding": Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 441.

367 "crimson mola.s.ses": "crimson mola.s.ses": Frank, Frank, American Death American Death, p. 82.

368 Kyles discreetly slipped it out of his grip: Kyles discreetly slipped it out of his grip: Interview with Kyles on CNN, Special Investigations Unit, that aired on April 4, 2009. Kyles says, "I took a crushed cigarette out of his hand. He didn't want kids to see him smoke." See also Frady, Interview with Kyles on CNN, Special Investigations Unit, that aired on April 4, 2009. Kyles says, "I took a crushed cigarette out of his hand. He didn't want kids to see him smoke." See also Frady, Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr., p. 205.

369 Louw trembled with a manic rage: Louw trembled with a manic rage: The story of how Louw photographed his world-famous image on the balcony is best captured in Frank, The story of how Louw photographed his world-famous image on the balcony is best captured in Frank, American Death American Death, pp. 77-80.

370 "shaking like a leaf": "shaking like a leaf": Honey, Honey, Going Down Jericho Road Going Down Jericho Road, p. 442.

371 "We have information": "We have information": Memphis Police Department radio dispatcher recordings from April 4, 1968, Hughes Collection. Memphis Police Department radio dispatcher recordings from April 4, 1968, Hughes Collection.

372 "Where's he been hit?": "Where's he been hit?": Frank, Frank, American Death American Death, pp. 85-86.

373 "Murder! Murder!": "Murder! Murder!": Ibid., p. 83. Ibid., p. 83.

CHAPTER 25.

THE WEAPON IS NOT TO BE TOUCHED.

374 sitting at his desk: sitting at his desk: My account of what transpired at Canipe's Amus.e.m.e.nt Company is primarily drawn from the initial FBI interview with the shop owner, Guy Canipe, and from FBI interviews with the customers Julius Graham and Bernell Finley, April 5, 1968. I also relied on Memphis Police Department statements taken from Canipe, Graham, and Finley. Additional details came from my own interviews with the retired Memphis police officers James Papia and Jewell Ray, who were among the first on the scene at Canipe's. My account of what transpired at Canipe's Amus.e.m.e.nt Company is primarily drawn from the initial FBI interview with the shop owner, Guy Canipe, and from FBI interviews with the customers Julius Graham and Bernell Finley, April 5, 1968. I also relied on Memphis Police Department statements taken from Canipe, Graham, and Finley. Additional details came from my own interviews with the retired Memphis police officers James Papia and Jewell Ray, who were among the first on the scene at Canipe's.

375 "You are not to touch the weapon!": "You are not to touch the weapon!": Memphis Police Department radio dispatcher recordings from April 4, 1968, Hughes Collection. Memphis Police Department radio dispatcher recordings from April 4, 1968, Hughes Collection.

376 "Suspect described as young white male": "Suspect described as young white male": Ibid. Ibid.

377 Stephens dashed back to his room: Stephens dashed back to his room: FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection. FBI interview with Stephens, conducted on April 4, 1968, by Special Agents John Bauer and Stephen Darlington, Hughes Collection.

378 "Georgia, I don't think": "Georgia, I don't think": Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky. Author interview with Georgia Davis Powers, May 7, 2008, Louisville, Ky.

379 "Give me the loop lights!": "Give me the loop lights!": Frank, Frank, An American Death An American Death, p. 85.

380 "Is he alive?": "Is he alive?": This pa.s.sage from inside the ambulance is largely adapted from Abernathy, This pa.s.sage from inside the ambulance is largely adapted from Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 442.

381 Captain Jewell Ray: Captain Jewell Ray: My account of Jewell Ray's initial investigation of the crime scene at Canipe's and inside Bessie Brewer's rooming house is primarily drawn from my interview with Ray, on Feb. 13, 2009. I also interviewed the retired police officer James Papia, who investigated the scene with Ray. Additionally, I relied on Memphis Police Department statements taken from Ray, Papia, Canipe, Willie Anschutz, Charlie Stephens, and Bessie Brewer. See also Frank, My account of Jewell Ray's initial investigation of the crime scene at Canipe's and inside Bessie Brewer's rooming house is primarily drawn from my interview with Ray, on Feb. 13, 2009. I also interviewed the retired police officer James Papia, who investigated the scene with Ray. Additionally, I relied on Memphis Police Department statements taken from Ray, Papia, Canipe, Willie Anschutz, Charlie Stephens, and Bessie Brewer. See also Frank, An American Death An American Death, pp. 98-103.

CHAPTER 26.

A PAUSE THAT WOULD NEVER END.

382 "Coretta, Doc just got shot": "Coretta, Doc just got shot": Coretta Scott King's recollection of Jackson's phone call from Memphis is in her memoir, Coretta Scott King's recollection of Jackson's phone call from Memphis is in her memoir, My Life with Martin Luther King Jr. My Life with Martin Luther King Jr., p. 318.

383 "Mama? You hear that?": "Mama? You hear that?": Dexter Scott King, Dexter Scott King, Growing Up King Growing Up King, p. 48.

384 "I understand": "I understand": Ibid. Ibid.

385 team of nurses and ER orderlies: team of nurses and ER orderlies: My pa.s.sages concerning the efforts to save King's life inside the St. Joseph's ER are drawn from multiple sources. I especially relied on Memphis Police Department summaries (Hughes Collection) gathered immediately after King's death by homicide detectives who interviewed a number of ER doctors and nurses. Other important sources include the oral history of Dr. Frederick Gioia and other attending physicians in Beifuss, My pa.s.sages concerning the efforts to save King's life inside the St. Joseph's ER are drawn from multiple sources. I especially relied on Memphis Police Department summaries (Hughes Collection) gathered immediately after King's death by homicide detectives who interviewed a number of ER doctors and nurses. Other important sources include the oral history of Dr. Frederick Gioia and other attending physicians in Beifuss, At the River I Stand At the River I Stand, pp. 297-99; Abernathy's memoirs, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, pp. 443-44; Frank's vivid account in American Death American Death, pp. 90, 93, 95-96, 119; and my own interview with Dr. Ted Galyon, December 30, 2009.

386 "I'm staying": "I'm staying": Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 443.

387 Gioia stepped into the fray: Gioia stepped into the fray: For my pa.s.sage on Dr. Gioia and his efforts to treat King, I'm grateful for the insights of his daughter, Dominique Gioia Skaggs, with whom I spoke and corresponded. For my pa.s.sage on Dr. Gioia and his efforts to treat King, I'm grateful for the insights of his daughter, Dominique Gioia Skaggs, with whom I spoke and corresponded.

388 "It would be a blessing": "It would be a blessing": Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 443. See also Raines, My Soul Is Rested My Soul Is Rested, p. 471.

389 Rufus Bradshaw: Rufus Bradshaw: My account of the CB radio "chase" heard by Bradshaw is primarily drawn from the radio dispatcher recording, Hughes Collection. I also relied on Memphis Police Department and the FBI's Memphis field office investigations of the CB radio transmission, Hughes Collection. My account of the CB radio "chase" heard by Bradshaw is primarily drawn from the radio dispatcher recording, Hughes Collection. I also relied on Memphis Police Department and the FBI's Memphis field office investigations of the CB radio transmission, Hughes Collection.

390 In the waiting room, Andy Young sat: In the waiting room, Andy Young sat: Young, Young, Easy Burden Easy Burden, p. 466.

391 "The "The neck": neck": Ibid. Ibid.

392 Hanging up the beige receiver: Hanging up the beige receiver: Dexter King, Dexter King, Growing Up King Growing Up King, p. 48.

393 "Your father--there's been an accident": "Your father--there's been an accident": Ibid. Ibid.

394 "I need to see Dr. King!": "I need to see Dr. King!": Frady, Frady, Jesse Jesse, p. 229.

395 "And I caught his head": "And I caught his head": Ibid. Ibid.

396 "You dirty, stinking, lying ...!": "You dirty, stinking, lying ...!": Williams, quoted in Kenneth R. Timmerman, Williams, quoted in Kenneth R. Timmerman, Shakedown: Exposing the Real Jesse Jackson Shakedown: Exposing the Real Jesse Jackson (Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2002), p. 8. (Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2002), p. 8.

397 "It's a h.e.l.luva thing": "It's a h.e.l.luva thing": Ibid., p. 7. Ibid., p. 7.

398 "This whole thing's": "This whole thing's": Frady, Frady, Jesse Jesse, p. 229.

399 David Burrington: David Burrington: Timmerman, Timmerman, Shakedown Shakedown, p. 8.

400 "He won't make it": "He won't make it": Abernathy, Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down And the Walls Came Tumbling Down, p. 443.

401 "nothing more than prolonged shudders": "nothing more than prolonged shudders": Ibid., p. 443. Ibid., p. 443.

402 Father Bergard closed King's eyes: Father Bergard closed King's eyes: Beifuss, Beifuss, At the River I Stand At the River I Stand, p. 300.

403 King's parents listened to the radio: King's parents listened to the radio: Martin Luther King Sr., Martin Luther King Sr., Daddy King Daddy King, p. 189.

404 "No matter how much protection": "No matter how much protection": Ibid., p. 187. Ibid., p. 187.

405 "My first son": "My first son": Ibid., p. 189. Ibid., p. 189.

406 Two agents: Two agents: This pa.s.sage is drawn from Arthur L. Murtagh's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations, This pa.s.sage is drawn from Arthur L. Murtagh's testimony in House Select Committee on a.s.sa.s.sinations, Appendix Reports Appendix Reports, vol. 6, p. 107; and from James J. Rose's testimony, ibid., vol. 6, pp. 125-27.