Last November’s exonerations of Muhammad Abdul-Aziz and Khalil Islam, wrongfully convicted for the murder, fuels decades-old suspicions. While their names have been cleared in court, it has rekindled the question, “Who’s really responsible?”
While their names have been cleared in court, it has rekindled the question, “Who’s really responsible?”
Malcolm’s bodyguard, Rueben Francis, shot assassin Thomas Hagan/Talmadge Hayer as he attempted to flee, who was promptly pummeled by OAAU supporters, before being rescued by police outside. He’s the only suspect publicly revealed. However, O.A.A.U. members, Herman Ferguson and James 67X Shabazz tell a different story.
Initially, Hayer refused to cooperate with authorities, but in 1977, at the behest of civil rights attorney William Kunstler, he named Benjamin Thomas, Leon Davis, William Bradley, and Wilbur McKinnley as accomplices, in an affidavit. None were ever formally charged with murdering Malcolm. Butler and Johnson weren’t permitted to present Hayer’s affidavit as evidence and their appeals were repeatedly denied. Judge Harold Rothwax rejected a motion to reopen the case.
Gene Roberts, Tony Bouza and Woods, were among several undercover NYPD agents with the clandestine Bureau of Special Services and Investigation , which had infiltrated and were monitoring Malcolm’s OAAU.