</s>GL 44-775 In addition to the above business located in this particular building they also leaslesser parts of the building which includes address of 1978 Arsenal, BAY, Arsenal, 19682 Arsena and 1978. Arsenal and 1978-1978. Alderly, the owner of the Arsenal BAY. Arsenal 1976. 19788. Arsenal as LESTNA advised that one EDWARD BAYS rents 1978- CANGENGE rents 1978 Arsenal where the conductors' shoe repair bushes at the rate of $25 per month: LOUIS BELANCO COBLESBY rents 1978.80 Arsenal Street: GORGE HURN rents BELANDER RENTIS 1978-80 ARENA Street as a combination residence and 3-9 tavern which is only open on Friday, Saturday. and Sunday nights. Mr LESTINA made available copies of the lease and application for tenancy which reflects as follows: Mr LESNA made available copies of thelease and the CAROL. October 1983, between SHARON M. STOCKMANN the carol. Commerical Lease indicates it was entered into including the Basement known as 1982 Arsenal Street St. Louis the Carol. This Basement Lease Indicates that the use of MISSOURI. This Commercial Lease indicates that that the Use of MISSOUR! This Basemenial Lease indicates that the lease is for the liquor license. This term of the lease for two years comming the first day of October 1987 and ending the 30th day of September each month. on the day of each month, for a monthly rental of $80 due The lease was sent to a three year option of renewal under the lease was provided by the lease gives 60 days when notice regarding this prior to the expansionation of the current lease. This lease was contingent upon leaseability to secure the full lease was loosen and CAROL PEPPER as leased. This license was leased. The application is signed Sharon M. Stockmann as leasor Tavern, The application for tenancy for the Grapevine are to be used as a telephone number or liquor tavern This application reflects the name CAROL A. PEPFER, 2025 Bellevue, Maplewood, Missouri, phone 645-2948 with the 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents consist of fragmented FBI investigative records from April 1968 related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They detail inquiries into multiple suspects, including James Earl Ray, who was identified as the perpetrator but initially under investigation for his alleged connection to the crime. The reports include physical descriptions of suspects, their military service histories, and motel stays in St. Louis, Missouri, around the time of the assassination. Key details involve FBI case numbers (e.g., 44-775), coordination with local law enforcement, and discrepancies in dates (e.g., "April 1988" instead of 1968). Some entries reference unverified claims, such as Thomas Henderson being linked to the assassination, while others highlight challenges in distinguishing suspects from look-alikes. The text contains typographical errors and incomplete records, reflecting the fragmented nature of the investigation.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Identified as the assassin; registered at a St. Louis motel on April 1, 1968, stayed in Room #114, and left without checking out.  
- **Robert L. Plunk**: Suspect with medical records from Veterans Administration Hospitals (St. Louis, Tennessee) between 1954–1958.  
- **Joseph M. Pritchett**: Navy veteran arrested for disorderly conduct in 1958; no explosives training recorded.  
- **Thomas Robert Henderson**: Alleged assassin with a history of narcotics use and FBI wanted status (FBI #719 320 C).  
- **David Ernest Hawkins**: U.S. Army veteran (1957–1958) with no records of explosives or mental health issues.  
- **Aaron Isaac Lofton**: Mississippi National Guard member with a Sharpshooter Medal for rifle/carbine.  
- **Robert Dean James (Jesse James Jr.)**: Described as a white male, 5'8", stocky build, driving a yellow Ford Mustang; linked to Dr. King’s assassination via witness claims.  

Key Locations:  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Motel where Ray was registered (Room #114), Veterans Administration Hospital locations (St. Louis, Tennessee).  
- **Montgomery, Alabama**: Birthplace of Plunk and Pritchett; site of Pritchett’s 1958 arrest.  
- **Columbia, Illinois**: Mentioned in connection to a guest’s license plate.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Reference to a suspect’s alleged travel route (e.g., "AT ST. LOUIS M. MISSOURI" instead of Missouri).  

Key Events:  
- FBI investigation into MLK assassination, focusing on suspects and motel activity around April 1–2, 1968.  
- Review of military records for Pritchett (Navy service until 1963) and Lofton (Mississippi National Guard).  
- Examination of Ray’s motel registration, room assignments, and financial transactions.  
- Coordination between FBI agents and local authorities (e.g., St. Louis County police).  
- Unverified claims about Henderson being the assassin and Jesse James Jr.’s alleged connection to the crime.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the investigation; referenced case numbers (e.g., 44-775) and shared information with divisions.  
- **Veterans Administration Hospital**: Provided medical records for Plunk.  
- **United States Navy**: Maintained Pritchett’s service records.  
- **Mississippi National Guard**: Affiliated with Lofton’s military service.

MLK Declassified Files

157-no-10673_hs1-852666771_124-04-part_4_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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