</s>JN 157-9586 been involved in Klan activities for many years and due to past action, has a propensity for violence. LEADS: BIRMINGHAM AT BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Should immediately exhibit photographs to employees of hardware store where weapon purchased. MEMPHIS AT MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Memphis previously furnished photographs to exhibit to appropriate persons. 2 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on Robert Gentry of Smyrna, Tennessee, a former KKK member who claims to have known William Rose, a machinist in Greenville, Mississippi. Gentry alleges Rose and his friend (FNU) Willand were KKK members capable of violence and possibly responsible for King's murder. The FBI sought to locate and eliminate Rose. Separate reports mention Billy Ray King, identified as William, who was interviewed in Rock Island, Illinois, following an anonymous tip about a suspect wearing gold clothing at Fort Armstrong Hotel. King claimed he had a plane ticket from Greenville, Mississippi, to St. Louis and Quincy, Illinois, but missed his towboat. His car, a blue Mustang, is registered under a friend's name. The FBI also investigated Jessie Kimble, a drug salesman in Brookhaven, Mississippi, who allegedly discussed using a blanket to muffle gunfire during the assassination. An anonymous caller reported Kimble had left Memphis after hearing about King’s death and rented lodging in Gulfport, Mississippi. The FBI coordinated with local law enforcement to verify details, including license plate checks and interviews with witnesses and family members.  

Key People:  
- **Robert Gentry**: Smyrna, Tennessee; former KKK member who claims knowledge of William Rose and his potential involvement in King’s murder.  
- **William Rose**: Machinist in Greenville, Mississippi; allegedly a KKK member linked to Gentry.  
- **Billy Ray King (William)**: Interviewed in Rock Island, Illinois; claimed possession of a plane ticket from Greenville, Mississippi, to St. Louis and Quincy, Illinois.  
- **Jessie Kimble**: Drug salesman in Brookhaven, Mississippi; alleged to have discussed using a blanket to muffle gunfire during the assassination.  
- **Grady Martin Jr.**: Owner of "The Chef Cafe" in Memphis; reported patrons claimed to be in Memphis when King was killed.  

Key Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central hub for FBI operations and witness interviews.  
- **Greenville, Mississippi**: Home to William Rose and KGW Towing Company.  
- **Rock Island, Illinois**: Where Billy Ray King was interviewed following an anonymous tip.  
- **Brookhaven, Mississippi**: Location of Jessie Kimble’s alleged activities.  
- **Gulfport, Mississippi**: Mentioned in connection with Jessie Kimble’s movements post-assassination.  

Key Events:  
- **April 4–7, 1968**: FBI investigations into potential suspects linked to King’s assassination, including anonymous tips and witness interviews.  
- **Anonymous call**: Reported a suspect wearing gold clothing at Fort Armstrong Hotel in Rock Island, Illinois, allegedly involved in the shooting.  
- **Interviews with witnesses**: Including Grady Martin Jr., Mrs. Grace Roschelle, and Ernest Wilson, to verify details about suspects and events.  
- **License plate checks**: Conducted on vehicles associated with suspects, including a Mississippi license plate linked to a Ford.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Led the investigation, coordinating with local law enforcement and agencies in Memphis, Jackson, and Indianapolis.  
- **KGW Towing Company**: Employed Billy Ray King; investigated for potential connections to the assassination.  
- **Local law enforcement**: Including Rock Island PD, Brookhaven PD, and Lincoln County sheriff’s office, assisted in verifying suspect details.

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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