</s>FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date 4/17/68 1 DELMA PIERCE was telephoneally contacted from Dee Dell'S Photo Studio in Walls, Mississippi, at which time PIERGE voluntarily advised the following information; PIERCE advised that due to her employment at Dee DeLL'S Studio, the travels quite extensively and there- fore does not have a permanent address in Walls. Mississippi. but can always be contacted through the photo studio. She advised that she is in Walls she will often stay at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee. PIERGE advised that to the best of her knowledge, she remembers calling her sister in Muncie, Indiana, on either April 5 or 6, 1968, PIERce stated that the first time she called her sister to Jackson, Mississippi. on that she called him been in Jackson, Mississippi, on either the same day or the day after. PIERCe stated that during the conversation her sister had expressed a concern for PIERcé, being in Memphis during the riot, and the led to a discussion of the circumstances concerning doctor MARTIN LUTHER KING'S death. PIERCÉ stated that she uses the name LABELLA when calling his sister in Indiana, due to the name that she, PIERCING, her sister is a former husband in India, and she is attempting to her former Indiana, Indiana. She uses the stated that due for her marital difficulties she uses. name LABELA, and this is the only time that she ever uses this name. PIERCÉstated that there is no such person as DENO or DEE LABELA. PIERcestated that on the night of April 4, 1968. at about 6:00 PM, she was traveling in connection with their business with DEE ARAMIAS, PIERE stated that at about On 4/12/68 at Walls, Missouri File # Jackson 157-9586 SA WILLIAM P. LAWLER, JR./ mlt 4/15/68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency, it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI records from April 1968 detailing investigations into individuals connected to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Delma Pierce reported calling her sister in Indiana on April 5–6, 1968, discussing King’s death and stating she was in Memphis, Tennessee, during riots, using the name "Labela" for privacy. Byron De La Beckwith, Jr., was confirmed to be in Aberdeen, Mississippi, on April 4, 1968. Tom Nelson Davis described traveling to Memphis, stopping at a whiskey store, a gas station, and the Manhattan Club, where he heard news of King’s assassination. He also mentioned interactions with Bobby Earwood and Betty Smith. Other individuals investigated included Paul Dewey Willis (whose wife claimed he was absent at sea), Sterling Lewis Gillis (who stated no knowledge of the assassination), and Murphy John Dungan Jr., who denied involvement. The FBI noted discrepancies in statements and sought verification of alibis. A separate investigation referenced Aaron Isaac Lofton’s military service record, including enlistment in the Army (January 1955) and discharge at Walter Reed Hospital (November 1957). Lofton was linked to a "Dance School Project" inquiry and alleged possession of a white Mustang with recapped tires. Eric Stavo Galt’s driver’s license was not found in Mississippi, while Richard A. Works was interviewed regarding potential ties to Fultondale, Alabama. The third summary detailed inquiries into Eric Leroy Casey (a suspect with arrests for vagrancy and drunk-related offenses), Homer Wesley Galt (linked to Mexican car insurance records and bombings), and L.E. Matthews, Jr., who claimed involvement in synagogue and residential bombings but denied the Blackwell Realty bombing. Matthews also referenced potential connections to Byron De La Beckwith, suggesting possible assistance to MLK, though he denied direct involvement in the assassination. Tire tread analysis efforts were noted, including challenges in identifying molds used on recapped tires. Bomb-making techniques, such as alarm clock mechanisms, and firearms possession by suspects were discussed. Investigations into Mexican car insurance records and tire purchases were detailed alongside efforts to locate individuals through phone calls and interviews.  

Key People  
- Delma Pierce (reported calling her sister discussing King’s death)  
- Byron De La Beckwith, Jr. (confirmed in Aberdeen, Mississippi on April 4, 1968)  
- Tom Nelson Davis (described Memphis movements and interactions with Bobby Earwood and Betty Smith)  
- Paul Dewey Willis (wife reported his absence at sea)  
- Sterling Lewis Gillis (denied knowledge of King’s assassination)  
- Murphy John Dungan Jr. (denied involvement in the investigation)  
- Aaron Isaac Lofton (military service record reviewed, alleged connection to case)  
- Eric Stavo Galt (driver’s license checks, suspected ties)  
- Richard A. Works (interviewed regarding Fultondale, Alabama)  
- Homer Wesley Galt (possible relative of Eric Stavo Galt; linked to Mexican car insurance records and bombings)  
- L.E. Matthews, Jr. (alleged conspirator in bombings; referenced potential connection to Byron De La Beckwith)  
- Sam Bowers, Harry Kelley, J.L. Harper (named as individuals involved in the Blackwell Realty bombing)  
- Eric Leroy Casey (suspect with arrests for vagrancy and drunk-related offenses; described as residing in California)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (Davis’s movements, Manhattan Club; riots related to King’s assassination)  
- Aberdeen, Mississippi (Byron De La Beckwith’s residence)  
- New Albany, Mississippi (Tom Nelson Davis’s home)  
- Gulf of Mexico (Paul Dewey Willis’s work location)  
- Mississippi (Lofton’s residence and military service)  
- Fultondale, Alabama (Richard A. Works’ presence)  
- Los Angeles, California (tire investigation, Casey’s residence; neighborhood checks)  
- Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C. (Lofton’s discharge)  
- Crystal Springs, Mississippi (Matthews claimed to have been during the Blackwell bombing)  
- Tulsa, Oklahoma (Selective Service records referenced in Galt’s background)  

Key Events  
- Delma Pierce’s conversation with her sister about King’s death on April 5–6, 1968  
- Byron De La Beckwith’s confirmed presence in Aberdeen, Mississippi, on April 4, 1968  
- Tom Nelson Davis’s account of traveling to Memphis and hearing news of King’s assassination  
- FBI verification of alibis for Paul Dewey Willis, Sterling Lewis Gillis, and Murphy John Dungan Jr.  
- Review of Aaron Isaac Lofton’s Army service record (1955–1957)  
- Investigation into Eric Stavo Galt’s driver’s license and potential connections  
- Tire tread analysis to trace recapped tires on a white Mustang  
- Neighborhood investigations in Los Angeles for suspect identification  
- Blackwell Realty bombing investigation referencing L.E. Matthews’ alleged involvement  
- Bomb-making techniques discussed, including alarm clock mechanisms and electrical components  
- Meetings and interviews involving suspects like Jerome Vernon for photo identification  
- Claims by L.E. Matthews about potential assistance to MLK via Byron De La Beckwith  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Jackson, Memphis, Atlanta, Los Angeles offices  
- United States Army Security Agency (USSA)  
- U.S. Army Reserve (Lofton’s obligations)  
- Selective Service Board (referenced in verifying Galt’s registration records)  
- Local law enforcement agencies (e.g., Beverly Hills PD, L.A. Matrix Company, Ace Tire Mold Company)  
- Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MISP)  
- Noble Drilling Co. (mentioned in relation to Ferrall L. McCornick’s employment)

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427a-04-part_3_of_3.pdf

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