</s>DO NOT DESTROY - PRESERVE FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The FBI investigated Eric Starvo Galt’s activities in Birmingham, Alabama, between August 1967 and April 1968, focusing on his potential involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Galt, identified as a white male with a medium build, purchased a Remington Model 700 rifle and scope sight from Aeromarine Supply Company on March 29, 1968. Witnesses described him as wearing a dark brown business suit, soft-spoken, and lacking firearms knowledge. The rifle was later traded for another weapon at the same store on March 30, 1968. Galt resided at a rooming house operated by Peter Cherpes (2608 Highland Avenue) and frequented locations such as the Continental Dance Club Studios and Birmingham Trust National Bank (safe deposit box #5517). The FBI compiled witness descriptions to create a composite sketch of Galt and traced his movements, including interactions with businesses in Memphis, Atlanta, and Chicago. Galt was charged with conspiracy under Title 18, Section 241, and a $50,000 bond was issued. No direct evidence linking him to MLK’s assassination was found, though the rifle’s sale occurred approximately one week before the murder.  

Key People  
- **Eric Starvo Galt** (also known as Harvey Lowey): Suspect linked to MLK’s assassination investigation; purchased a Remington Model 700 rifle from Aeromarine Supply Company.  
- **Donald F. Wood**: Son of Aeromarine Supply Company owner Robert E. Wood Sr., confirmed the rifle sale to Galt on March 30, 1968.  
- **Peter Cherpes**: Operator of the rooming house at 2608 Highland Avenue where Galt resided.  
- **John Webster De Shazo** and **John Dennis Hanners**: Witnesses who observed Galt’s rifle purchase and described his appearance and demeanor.  
- **U.L. Baker** and **Hoyt Stephens**: Aeromarine Supply Company staff involved in the rifle sale.  
- **Neil P. Shananahan** and **Ralph N. Butler**: FBI Special Agents conducting the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Central to Galt’s activities; includes 2608 Highland Avenue (rooming house), Aeromarine Supply Company (Airport Highway), Birmingham Trust National Bank (safe deposit box #5517), and Continental Dance Club Studios.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Mentioned in postal records and mail forwarding context.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Site of Galt’s effects and a cleaning establishment (Mayfield Cleaners) linked to his activities.  
- **Chicago, Illinois**: Source of photographic supplies and mail addressed to Galt.  

Key Events  
- **March 29–30, 1968**: Galt purchased a Remington Model 700 rifle and scope sight from Aeromarine Supply Company; later traded the rifle for another weapon.  
- **April 4–14, 1968**: FBI investigation into MLK’s assassination focused on Galt’s connections to Birmingham and Memphis.  
- **August 28–30, 1967**: Galt rented a safe deposit box at the Birmingham Trust National Bank and purchased a car from William D. Paisley.  
- **September 1967**: Galt attended dance classes at the Continental Dance Club in Birmingham and was associated with the rooming house on Highland Avenue.  
- **April 16, 1968**: FBI exhibited a photograph of Galt to witnesses at Aeromarine Supply Company for identification purposes.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the investigation into MLK’s assassination and conspiracy charges against Galt.  
- **Aeromarine Supply Company** (Birmingham, AL): Retail store where Galt purchased firearms; linked to the rifle sale connected to MLK’s murder.  
- **Birmingham Trust National Bank**: Managed Galt’s safe deposit box activity.  
- **Western Union**: Linked to Galt’s mail and communication activities.  
- **Superior Bulk Film Company** (Chicago, IL): Associated with photographic supplies tied to Galt’s movements.

MLK Declassified Files

157-no-10673_hs1-852666771_123-03-part_1_of_9.pdf

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