</s>OFFICIAL FOUNDATION NO. 18 BATE NO. 1, FEDERAL SAT NO. FEDERATION (CPD) 91414 UNITED STATES GO AMERICANMENT Memorandum SAC, JACKSON (157-9586) DATE: 571-68 TO : SA, JOHN L. PUDDISTER FROM : SA JOHN L ., PUDDISTER SUBJECT: MURKIN On April 11, 1968, Inspector JOSEPH A. SULLIVAN. telephonically advised that he did not desire that any negative type investigation, which eliminates local, Jackson suspects, be sent to Memphis. He advises that negative type information should be indexed and filed at Jackson rather than to furnished to Memphis." Dee In aird to memphis 5/1/68. attached marked for individing. 1 - Jackson JLP/brh SEARCHED SEALIZED JLP /brh (1) SEALZATED R. FILLED. MAY 1 1968 FEB-JACKSON CCO maullell.d.com 1571-9586-4442 Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan -1-18-1414-01 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The FBI Memphis Office investigated the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray as a suspect. Witnesses at Jim’s Grill (418 South Main Street) and the Lorraine Motel reported seeing a white Mustang near the scene, though the vehicle was not located. A crime scene diagram indicated two white Mustangs were present, with one likely serving as a getaway car. Laboratory analysis of evidence, including a Schlitz beer bottle, after-shave lotion, and newspapers, was conducted to link Ray to the crime scene. The FBI checked passport records for Ray but found no identifiable information, noting his alias “Eric Starvo” was linked to Alabama driver’s licenses and car registrations. Ray was described as a fugitive, armed, and dangerous due to his alleged involvement in the assassination. Administrative notes emphasized that the investigation remained negative (no conclusive evidence against Ray) and noted FD-3026 files were retained for background information. The FBI coordinated with agencies like the Passport Office to monitor Ray’s potential travel plans. The case remained open with no definitive resolution at the time of the report (April 1968).  

Mrs. Jasper D. (Lucetia B.) Ward, administrative assistant to Reverend A.D. Williams King and secretary of the Kentucky Christian Leadership Confederate (KCC), testified to the FBI on April 16, 1968, about her presence at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. She was with Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Andrew Young, Attorney Chancy Esprixke, Rev. Bernard Ler, Rev. A.B. Williams King, and Mrs. Cropgia Davis in Room 201 of the motel around 5:40 p.m., planning to go to dinner. She heard a shot at approximately 6:00 p.m. and witnessed someone yell that Dr. King had been shot. After the shooting, individuals left the motel, including Rev. A.D. Williams King and Mrs. Davis, who stayed overnight. Ward stated she did not observe details about the shooter or circumstances of the incident and possessed no information to identify the perpetrator.  

Key People  
- **Mrs. Jasper D. (Lucetia B.) Ward** (also known as Lucketia D. Wart)  
- **Reverend A.D. Williams King**  
- **Reverend Ralph Abernathy**  
- **Reverend Andrew Young**  
- **Attorney Chancy Esprixke**  
- **Reverend Bernard Ler**  
- **Reverend A.B. Williams King**  
- **Mrs. Cropgia Davis**  
- **James Earl Ray** (suspected assassin)  
- **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.** (victim)  

Key Locations  
- **Louisville, Kentucky** (interview location for Mrs. Ward)  
- **Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee** (site of the assassination and gathering)  
- **Howard Johnson's Motel** (temporary lodging for some individuals after the shooting)  
- **Jim’s Grill, Memphis, Tennessee** (witness location)  

Key Events  
- Presence at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968, with civil rights figures  
- Hearing a shot and witnessing the announcement of Dr. King’s assassination  
- Departure from the motel following the shooting and subsequent stay at the Lorraine Motel  
- Administration of sleeping pills to Rev. A.D. Williams King and Mrs. Davis due to their emotional state  
- FBI investigation into James Earl Ray, including witness interviews, crime scene analysis, and passport checks  

Key Organizations  
- **Kentucky Christian Leadership Confederate (KCC)**  
- **Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)**  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**  
- **Passport Office** (coordinated with FBI for monitoring Ray’s travel plans)

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427c-02-part_1_of_4.pdf

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