56 years after Malcolm Xâs death, lawyers are revealing what they called new evidence of a conspiracy perpetrated by the NYPD and the FBI to assassinate the Civil Rights leader in Harlem.
According to New Yorkâs ABC 7, Ray Wood, who was an undercover police officer at the time, wrote a deathbed letter confessing that the NYPD and FBI conspired to kill Malcolm, his family and their attorney are now claiming.
In February 1965, Malcolm was gunned down in Harlem during a speaking engagement. Woodâs family says in Woodâs letter that his responsibility was to ensure the activistâs security detail but was arrested days before the assassination.
The letter goes on to state that the move would guarantee Malcolm X not have door security at the Audubon Ballroom where he was killed.
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Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by Malcolmâs three daughters and Woodâs family. Theyâre asking for the murder investigation to be re-opened in light of the new evidence.
“So, what we’re trying to do is talk about restorative justice is as lawyers — try to pursue relentless justice,” said attorney Ray Hamlin. âOn behalf of the legacy of Malcolm X, Dr, Betty Shabazz, on behalf of his family lineage who is here.”
Three Nation of Islam members were convicted in Malcolm X’s murder. Last year, the Manhattan District Attorneyâs office began a review of those convictions after meeting with representatives of the Innocence Project.
The DAâs office now says ‘the review of this matter is active and ongoing’ in light of the new evidence.
The NYPD also released a statement on Saturday reading: âSeveral months ago, the Manhattan District Attorney initiated a review of the investigation and prosecution that resulted in two convictions for the murder of Malcom X. The NYPD has provided all available records relevant to that case to the District Attorney. The Department remains committed to assist with that review in any way.â
