William F. Pepper, a prominent figure in the conspiracy theory community, passed away on April 7 in Manhattan at the age of 86. Pepper was known for his relentless efforts to prove that the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not the work of a lone gunman, but rather a vast government plot.
Pepper’s controversial stance on the assassination made him a celebrity among conspiracy theorists, despite facing skepticism from experts and historians. He represented James Earl Ray, the man convicted of killing Dr. King, and worked tirelessly to uncover what he believed to be the truth behind the assassination.
Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, Pepper continued to push his theories through various avenues, including courtrooms, the media, and his writings. He even organized a televised mock trial that found Ray not guilty, further fueling the debate surrounding Dr. King’s death.
While Pepper’s arguments were often dismissed by mainstream experts, he remained a steadfast advocate for his beliefs until his passing. His legacy will be remembered by those who followed his work and his dedication to uncovering what he believed to be the truth behind one of the most significant events in American history.