</s>SAC, Chicago April 16, 1968 Results of laboratory examination and dispo- sition of specimens subject of separate report. Page 2 LC #91075 - 41-42 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into **JERRY WILLIAM RAY** (also referred to as "JERKY" or "JERMY") and his brother **JAMES EARL RAY**, a suspect linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The records include interviews with Jerry, focusing on his family ties, legal history, and potential connections to James Ray’s alleged criminal activities. Jerry provided information about his siblings, including **JOHN RAY** (last seen in St. Louis), **CAROL PEPPER** (married to ALBERT PEPPER), and **MELBA RAY** (residing in Quincy, Illinois). The FBI sought details on James Ray’s whereabouts, associations with individuals like "BLACKIE" AUSTIN, WALTER RIFE, and JACK GAWRON, and his potential hiding places in Missouri or Alabama. Jerry denied knowledge of James Ray’s current location but mentioned sending money to Carol Pepper. The FBI also examined handwriting samples and prison records for verification purposes.  

Key People:  
- **JERRY WILLIAM RAY** (also referred to as "JERKY," "JERMY," or "JERRY") – Subject of FBI interviews, provided information about his brother James Ray’s criminal associations.  
- **JAMES EARL RAY** – Brother of Jerry, linked to the assassination investigation; described as having multiple burglary convictions and potential ties to individuals like "BLACKIE" AUSTIN and WALTER RIFE.  
- **JOHN RAY** – Brother of Jerry and James; mentioned as possibly hiding in Missouri or Alabama.  
- **CAROL PEPPER** – Sister of Jerry, referenced as residing in St. Louis, Missouri.  
- **MELBA RAY** – Sibling of Jerry, believed to live in Quincy, Illinois.  
- **"BLACKIE" AUSTIN**, **WALTER RIFE**, and **JACK GAWRON** – Individuals associated with James Ray’s alleged criminal activities.  

Key Locations:  
- **Chicago, Illinois** – Where Jerry William Ray provided statements to the FBI.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** – Mentioned as a potential location for John Ray; home to the MacArthur Hotel.  
- **Quincy, Illinois** – Home of Melba Ray and referenced in family details.  
- **Missouri** – Implied as a possible hiding place for James Ray.  
- **Alabama** – Briefly mentioned in the context of James Ray’s potential movements.  

Key Events:  
- FBI interviews with Jerry William Ray to gather information about his brother James Ray’s whereabouts and criminal associations.  
- Investigation into a murder case, with Jerry providing details about family members, legal history, and possible locations for James Ray.  
- Examination of handwriting samples and fingerprint records by the FBI Laboratory to verify identities and connections.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Conducted interviews, forensic analysis, and maintained records on Jerry William Ray and his brother James Ray.  
- **Chicago Police Department** – Provided arrest records for James Ray, including dates and locations of arrests.  
- **Illinois State Penitentiary** – Mentioned in the context of Jerry William Ray’s legal history.

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427c-04-part_2_of_4.pdf

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