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Summary  
The document details FBI investigations into multiple aspects of the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on suspects, evidence, and related inquiries. Key elements include interviews with the Kilen family in Mississippi to verify alibis for April 4, 1968, employment records confirming their locations, and an investigation into a TV show in Neshoba County where individuals discussed MLK’s murder. The FBI also tracked a suspect via a black Mustang (license plates H B 9317) and composite photographs of potential perpetrators. A separate inquiry examined Eric Starvo Galt, a fugitive linked to purchasing a 30.06 rifle in Birmingham, Alabama, which was later found near the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Galt’s travel history included Memphis, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Mexico. Additional investigations referenced items like Schlitze beer cans and brown paper bags found at the crime scene, traced to a bait shop in Southaven, Mississippi. The FBI also explored connections between suspects such as L.E. Matthews (linked to the 1967 Blackwell Realty bombing) and Byron De La Beckwith (referenced via correspondence), while noting unrelated inquiries into Donald James Nissen’s alleged KKK ties and Thomas Joseph Cox’s employment history.  

Key People  
- Edgar Ray Kilen (Reverend, subject of investigation)  
- Roy Gene Kilen (brother of Edgar Ray Kilen, employed at Midland Shirt Co.)  
- Jerry Kilen (brother of Edgar Ray Kilen)  
- Bobby Kilen (brother of Edgar Ray Kilen)  
- Donald Kilen (brother of Edgar Ray Kilen, employed at J.F. Barnett Electric Co.)  
- Mary Kogan (manager of Midland Shirt Co., provided employment records for Roy Gene Kilen)  
- Eric Starvo Galt (fugitive accused of conspiring against MLK; associated with aliases John Willard and Harvey Lowymer)  
- Thomas Joseph Cox (Birmingham informant, former U.S. Navy retiree)  
- Donald James Nissen (subject of FBI inquiry related to KKK offer for MLK’s assassination)  
- L.E. Matthews (suspect in Blackwell Realty bombing; connected to explosives possession case)  
- Eugene Smith (linked to Matthews and alleged criminal activities)  
- Richard A. Works (husband of Peggy J. Works; vehicle investigation subject)  
- Burris Dunn, Jr. (connected to explosives possession case)  
- Steve Burrell (senior vice president at Deposit Guaranty Bank)  
- Byron De La Beckwith (suspected in MLK assassination; referenced via correspondence with Matthews)  

Key Locations  
- Neshoba County, Mississippi (TV show referenced in investigation)  
- Union, Mississippi (Midland Shirt Co. headquarters)  
- Philadelphia, Mississippi (J.F. Barnett Electric Co. location)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (site of MLK’s assassination and Lorraine Hotel; crime scene for Schlitze beer cans and paper bags)  
- Birmingham, Alabama (Galt’s rifle purchase location)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (abandoned Mustang found)  
- Southaven, Mississippi (bait shop linked to evidence)  
- Florence, Mississippi (Matthews’ residence)  
- Glendale, California (Richard A. Works’ location)  
- Crystal Springs, Mississippi (Elaine Smith’s involvement)  

Key Events  
- FBI interviews with Kilen family members on April 4–9, 1968, to verify alibis  
- Verification of employment records for Roy Gene Kilen and Donald Kilen  
- Investigation into a TV show in Neshoba County where individuals discussed MLK’s murder  
- FBI efforts to track suspect via black Mustang (license plates H B 9317) and composite photographs  
- Discovery of 30.06 rifle near Lorraine Hotel post-assassination, linked to Galt  
- Investigation into Schlitze beer cans and brown paper bags found at Memphis crime scene, traced to Southaven bait shop  
- FBI inquiries into vehicle registration (Mississippi Ford Galaxie) and movements of Richard A. Works  
- Legal proceedings related to Blackwell Realty bombing, including Matthews’ bond process and potential witness testimony  
- Suspicions surrounding L.E. Matthews’ involvement in explosives possession and alleged connections to informants  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI; Jackson, Memphis, Washington DC divisions)  
- Midland Shirt Co. (provided employment records for Roy Gene Kilen)  
- J.F. Barnett Electric Co. (employed Donald Kilen)  
- Ku Klux Klan (KKK; referenced in context of alleged offer for MLK’s assassination)  
- Sea Farers International Union (linked to Thomas Joseph Cox’s employment)  
- Deposit Guaranty Bank (involved in bond proceedings for Matthews)  
- Hinds County Court House (legal proceedings related to explosives case)

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427a-04-part_1_of_3.pdf

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