James Earl Ray maintained his innocence after pleading guilty, fueling decades of conspiracy theories.

After his guilty plea, James Earl Ray quickly recanted, claiming that he had been coerced into confessing. He spent years trying to withdraw his plea and sought a new trial, arguing that he was innocent and that others were involved in the assassination. Despite these claims, all appeals failed, and the official record holds him responsible. Nevertheless, his assertions of innocence have fueled many conspiracy theories and alternative explanations that continue to fascinate historians and the public alike.