</s>4/18/68 AIRTEL AIRMAIL TO : SAC, Memphis (44-1987) FROM : SAC. New Orleans (157-106763) (P) SUBJECT : MURKIN Re Los Angeles teletype to the Director, Chicago, Birmingham, Memphis and New Orleans 4/14/68 at 5:37 a.m. and New Orleans teletypeto the Director. Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta and Los Angeles 4/4/68 a.t. 6:38 p.m ., Re ERIC STARVO GALT Investigation at Provincial Motel. New Orleans. Louisiana Enclosed for Memphis are 25 copies of the following described items. 1) Insert entitled Investigation at Provincial Motel, New Orleans, Louisiana, Re ERIC STARVO GALT" 2) A three-page FD-302 setting forth results of an interview with BRYAN DUPPE on 4/1/68 as New Orleans 3) A one-page PD-302 of an interview with DUPPE of 4/14 /4 at New Orleans 4) A One-page RD-302 interview with LUBY CARSON on 4/11/66 at New Orleans 2- Memphis Inc. 700(Rm) 2- New Orleans (4) SMCiepk 159-10673-250 Sarcastex Callleuie Serialized Indexed Flied 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of FBI investigative memos from April–May 1968 detailing an ongoing case involving "MURKIN" (likely a codename or misrendered term) and its connection to the Continental Dance Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana. The investigation centers on identifying a suspect linked to a murder or criminal activity involving "King," possibly a typo for another name or a victim. Key suspects include Herman P. Kackenmester, described as a white male with a blue Chevrolet pickup truck, and Eric GALT, an alias associated with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The FBI cross-references data with local agencies, uses photographic evidence, and examines a blue zipper suitcase containing photos of studio instructors and pupils. The case spans Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia, involving entities like the Jefferson Parish Highway Department, New Orleans police, and Atlanta Field Office. Uncertainties include unclear codenames, missing context about the crime, and potential misspellings or pseudonyms in names.  

Key People  
- Herman P. Kackenmester: Suspected of knowing who killed "King," described as a white male with a blue Chevrolet pickup truck (Louisiana license plate).  
- Eric GALT: Suspect linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also referred to by aliases like John Willard or Starvo.  
- Mrs. Vinsant (Cutowlo): Mentioned as possibly storing evidence (a blue zipper suitcase) at her Miami home.  
- Tena Melly, Marcus Selos, Charles Hartzel, Marlin Myers: Dance instructors associated with the Continental Dance Studio.  
- Lawrence C. Morel, Peggy Jones, Grey Junker, Otis & Ethel Bourgeois: Former members or pupils of the studio.  

Key Locations  
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Home to the Continental Dance Studio and a key location in the investigation.  
- Miami, Florida: Possibly where evidence (blue zipper suitcase) was stored.  
- Atlanta, Georgia: Mentioned as a location for follow-ups involving agencies like the Atlanta Field Office and Jefferson Hotel.  
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Part of the geographic scope of the investigation.  

Key Events  
- FBI tracking suspects linked to the Continental Dance Studio and potential ties to Dr. King’s assassination.  
- Use of look-alike comparisons (photos, composite sketches) for suspect identification.  
- Cross-referencing data with local agencies (Jefferson Parish Highway Department, New Orleans police, state drivers’ license divisions).  
- Examination of a blue zipper suitcase containing photos of studio instructors and pupils.  
- Investigation into Juanita Welch’s relocation to Atlanta after working at a Miami dance studio.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducting the investigation, using informants, cross-agency collaboration, and forensic methods.  
- Jefferson Parish Highway Department: Involved in data sharing for license plate tracking.  
- New Orleans Police Department: Collaborated with FBI on suspect identification.  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Mentioned as an organization linked to the suspect Eric GALT.  
- State Drivers’ License Divisions: Used for record checks and identifying suspects.

MLK Declassified Files

157-no-10673_hs1-852666771_122-04-part_2_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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