Ray Wood was a covert police officer at the time; his family and lawyer claim Wood wrote a letter on his deathbed confessing to the NYPD and the FBI conspired to kill the Civil Rights activist.
Malcolm X was assassinated in February 1965 in Harlem during an oral engagement. Wood’s family says that in the letter Wood wrote, he stated that his responsibility was to ensure that Malcolm X’s security details were arrested days before the murder.
The letter further states that this move would ensure that Malcolm X did not have security at the door in the Audubon ballroom where he was murdered.
Now Malcolm X’s three daughters, along with Wood’s family and civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, are calling for the murder investigation to be reopened in light of new evidence.
“So what we’re trying to do is talk about restorative justice as lawyers – trying to pursue relentless justice,” lawyer Ray Hamlin said. “In the name of Malcolm X’s legacy, Dr. Betty Shabazz, on behalf of her family, her lineage that is here.”
Three members of Nation of Islam were convicted of the murder of Malcolm X. Last year, the Manhattan DA began a review of those convictions after meeting with representatives of the Innocence Project.
Now, with the new evidence, the U.S. Department of State office says “the review of this matter is active and ongoing.”
On Monday, the FBI released a statement on the investigation.
“The FBI’s local office in New York is aware of recent reports related to the circumstances of Malcolm X’s death. Over the past few months, we have worked with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to assist in its review. of the matter and provide relevant FBI documents Today’s FBI represents the noble pursuit of justice and we will continue to support the review in any way we can. “
The NYPD also responded Saturday.
A few months ago, the Manhattan District Attorney initiated a review of the investigation and prosecution that resulted in two convictions for the murder of Malcolm X. The NYPD has provided all available records relevant to this case to the prosecutor. of the district. The Department is committed to assisting in any way with this review.
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