</s>OPTIONAL FORM NO. 19 MAY 18, 1962 (C) (CII) 11-14-14 USA FIMER (C1) (GII) 111-11-14 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum Memorandum TO : SAC DATE: 5/28/68 FROM : ASAC JOHN M. REED SUBJECT: "TOP TEN" FUGITIVES In connection with speeches before the Crichton Optimist Club, 5/22/68, and the Kiwanis Club Fairhope, Ala ., 5 /21/68. photographs of the Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives were, photographs of those who were the top ten Most Wanted. The total number at both speeches was approximately 65. Particular emphasis was placed on CLOUSER and JAMES EARL RAY. 1 - 26-16355 1 - 88-6331 1 -88-6332 1 - 89-6032 1 -89-6023 1 -87-7058 1 -157-2627 1 -1 -8-6645 1 - 8-68-6445 1 - 1 - 88 -6443 1 - JMR-gre (10) 157-2227-525 SEARCHED INDEXED. SERIALIZED 3 Filed MAY 2 8 1968 FBI-MOBILE Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan SMI-168-04 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements and alleged involvement in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, focusing on Alabama, Tennessee, and Canada. Key elements include Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967, his travel routes through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Canada, and FBI surveillance efforts following the assassination on April 4, 1968. The Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, is identified as the site of the assassination, with a single bullet fired from a rooming house bathroom. Investigations linked Eric S. Galt to the murder through financial transactions, movements, and correspondence, including his connection to a white Mustang sold in Birmingham, Alabama. FBI forensic analysis confirmed Ray’s fingerprints on evidence, while license plate checks, interviews, and driver’s license reviews were conducted to identify potential suspects. A letter from Alizena Lowe speculated about Wallace Forces’ involvement, though this remains unverified. Leads involving Harvey Sadler, Lloyd Side, and others were noted for further investigation.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure in the investigation; escaped Missouri State Penitentiary on April 4, 1967; FBI #405 942G; fingerprint matches found on evidence.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Charged with conspiracy to injure Dr. King; linked to financial transactions, movements in Alabama, Canada, and Mexico; connected to the sale of a white Mustang.  
- **W. M. Coleman**: Resided in Atmore, Alabama; provided information about phone calls but denied knowledge of Ray.  
- **Frank Calametti**: Mobile resident with ties to San Antonio, Texas; no connection to Ray or the assassination.  
- **Walter Whitten**: Hackenburg, Alabama; mentioned as a potential suspect due to alleged suspicious behavior toward strangers.  
- **Harvey Sadler**: Former sheriff of Macon County, Alabama; investigated for possible involvement in racial tensions and King’s assassination.  
- **LLOYD SIDE**: Suspected connection to the case through family ties (e.g., brother HOWARD SIDE); no confirmed links to MLK’s murder.  
- **Alizena Lowe**: Letter writer suggesting conspiracy theories about Wallace Forces and the assassination.  
- **SA B. Tim McCoy**: FBI agent involved in license plate checks and surveillance.  
- **SACs (Special Agents in Charge)**: Mobile, Birmingham, Memphis, and New Orleans field offices.  
- **SA Joe C. Hester**: FBI agent who compiled a report on Ray’s activities and alleged involvement in the assassination.  

Key Locations  
- **Atmore, Alabama**: Phone number checks for W. M. Coleman.  
- **Mobile, Alabama**: Central to license plate checks and surveillance operations; Frank Calametti’s residence.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Galt’s residence; connection to the sale of a white Mustang.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of Dr. King’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel (422 South Main Street); location of grand jury indictment against Ray.  
- **Canada**: Mentioned as a point of entry for Ray after escaping prison and Galt’s rental address.  
- **Montreal, Canada**: Galt’s rental address and financial transactions.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico**: Galt’s registered hotel stay.  
- **Foley, Alabama**: Interview with J. S. Lane regarding phone calls.  
- **Tuskegee, Alabama**: Mention of Harvey Sadler’s past role in Macon County.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1967**: James Earl Ray escaped from Missouri State Penitentiary.  
- **April–May 1968**: FBI conducted license plate checks and surveillance on individuals in Mobile, Birmingham, and Memphis.  
- **April 4, 1968**: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis by a single bullet fired from the bathroom of a rooming house.  
- **April 17, 1968**: Federal indictment against Eric S. Galt for conspiracy to injure Dr. King.  
- **May 7, 1968**: Shelby County Grand Jury in Memphis indicted James Earl Ray for murder (secret indictment).  
- **July–December 1967**: FBI tracked Galt’s activities, including enrollment at a locksmithing institute, purchases of money orders, and interactions with businesses.  
- **October 1967**: Galt registered in Mexico; FBI Laboratory confirmed handwriting and fingerprint matches to James Earl Ray.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted surveillance, license plate checks, forensic analysis (handwriting, fingerprints), and compiled investigative reports.  
- **Alabama Department of Public Safety**: Provided driver’s license data for investigative purposes.  
- **Tuskegee Tribune**: Mentioned as a publication associated with Alizena Lowe’s letter about racial tensions.  
- **Superior Bulk Film Company**: Received orders from Galt linked to his activities.  
- **Locksmithing Institute (Little Falls, New Jersey)**: Galt enrolled in 1967; FBI analyzed enrollment documents.

MLK Declassified Files

157-mo-2627_625067_27-03-part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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