</s>F.D. 245 (REV. 413-60) H. S. Department of Ju. itr. (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) (MATEURAL MUST NOT REMOVEO FROM OR ADDED TO THE FILE) F.O.I.P.A. 1/5/1-9586 DO NOT DESTROY UNTIL J-27-83 FEDERAL BUREAU DO NOT ESTROY - (57-9876-618 PENDING LITIGATION 2e197-21-1-1 of DO NOT EXTROY F.o.I·P. A. DO NOT RESTROINVESTIGATION PENDIG LITigation REQUESTESET 190 S/V DO NOT DESTROINVSTIGATION Volume Number Serials Bureau File Number 44-3881 List-5/4-5:5 See also Nos. /57-9576-SEI-Pungguaggered 157-9886-SEFORIG-302'5 Deparate 14/2/5 C au nefl volumen www.10-32850 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O ., 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections between a white 1967 convertible with Mississippi license plate number 120-134 (corrected to 12D-134) and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Witness V.R. Collier reported observing the car in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 15, 1968, noting its erratic movements around 9:30 PM. The FBI coordinated with offices in Memphis, Jackson, and other cities to trace the license plate owner, William E. Sikes Jr., who worked at the Emporium Department Store in Jackson. Sikes was questioned on April 4, 1968, about his activities following King’s assassination but could not recall if anyone followed him. The FBI noted Sikes bore a slight resemblance to James Earl Ray, a suspect in the crime, and analyzed laundry marks (e.g., "BLACK LAUNDRY MARKS 0 TWO B DASH SIX") found on clothing linked to Ray. Communications also reference efforts to monitor Theodore Allison Carr for potential threats against Aaron E. Henry, president of the Mississippi NAACP, and tracking telephone calls from December 1967 across multiple cities, possibly related to monitoring movements tied to the investigation.  

Key People:  
- V.R. Collier: Witness who reported seeing the suspicious white convertible in Jackson, Mississippi.  
- James Earl Ray: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; his clothing with laundry marks was analyzed.  
- William E. Sikes Jr.: Registered owner of license plate 12D-134; compared to Ray in physical description.  
- Aaron E. Henry: President of the Mississippi NAACP, monitored for potential threats.  
- Theodore Allison Carr: Alleged individual possibly threatening Henry.  
- Eric Galt: Identified as an alias for James Earl Ray.  
- Grady Carroll: Former constable in Grenada County, Mississippi; rumored to have expressed intent to kill MLK after riots.  
- Charles Stein: Met with Ray in New Orleans, allegedly traveled to California with him.  
- Raymond Roberts: Linked to NSRP and Klan activities in Mississippi.  
- Alton Wayne Roberts: Employee at Akin Mobile Homes in Meridian, Mississippi.  
- Lee Roberts: Resigned as a patrolman in Mercer PD; rumored drug addiction led to resignation.  
- Jerry A. Rohacker: Rumored to be transferred from Stein's Clothing Company due to ties with Raymond Roberts.  

Key Locations:  
- Jackson, Mississippi: Site of Collier’s observation and Sikes’ residence/workplace.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Location of MLK’s assassination and FBI SAC reference.  
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Ray met Charles Stein; telephone calls tracked here.  
- Meridian, Mississippi: Center for NSRP meetings, Klan activities, and incidents like church burnings and shootings.  
- Grenada County, Mississippi: Home to Grady Carroll, who allegedly expressed intent to kill MLK after riots.  
- Lauderdale County, Mississippi: Site of the Lauderdale County Citizens Council and associated groups.  

Key Events:  
- April 15, 1968: V.R. Collier reports sighting of a white convertible linked to MLK’s assassination in Jackson, Mississippi.  
- April 4, 1968: William E. Sikes Jr. questioned about his movements following King’s assassination.  
- December 1967: FBI tracked telephone calls made by James Earl Ray from public telephones along Interstate 10, linking him to New Orleans and California.  
- May 1968: FBI monitored Theodore Allison Carr for potential threats against Aaron E. Henry.  
- Rumors of Grady Carroll’s intent to kill MLK: Spotted by FBI in Memphis after riots following King’s March.  
- NSRP and Klan activities: Meetings in Meridian, Mississippi; potential for racial violence.  
- Incidents of violence: Church burnings, shootings at residences in Meridian, Mississippi.  
- Memorial march for MLK (April 7, 1968): Ignored by the Klan despite police presence.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted investigations, coordinated with local offices, and analyzed evidence.  
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Mentioned in context of Aaron E. Henry’s role.  
- National States Rights Party (NSRP): Active in Mississippi; planned marches and rallies.  
- Ku Klux Klan (KKK): Monitored for potential racial violence; involved in anti-MLK activities.  
- Lauderdale County Citizens Council: Declined in influence, with internal discussions on disbandment.  
- Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles: License plate verification referenced.  
- White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan: Mentioned in context of a $100,000 reward offer for killing MLK (unverified).

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427c-03-part_1_of_6.pdf

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