</s>FD. 245 (HEV. 413-60) H. S. Department of Justire (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) 157-3231 1 FEDERAL BUREAU DO NOT DESTROY - PENDING LITIGATION P.D.2012 of INVESTIGATION Senate Volume Number Bureau File Number 44-38861 DO NOT RESTROY-PRESERVE FOR SELECT SEE SEPARATE COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS See also Nos. 1A VOL. DO NOT DESTROY PENDINO LITIZATION PCHT/4767 dasminee04/10/20 157-323-414 C 41/12/6s m. Beafr 4-4-68 M.S.A.M. 10-391313 2023 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on suspects linked to the crime and related disturbances following his death. On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting federal agencies to initiate inquiries. The FBI coordinated with local law enforcement, including the Tampa Police Department, to monitor civil unrest and track potential suspects. Key figures under investigation included individuals such as Harvey Lowyer, a white male described as 36 years old with physical attributes of 5'8"–5'11" and 150–160 lbs, whose rifle was found near the crime scene. W.R. Thompson, a suspect with ties to Nashville, Tennessee, was scrutinized for his movements during the relevant period. In Tampa, Florida, racial disturbances occurred on April 5, 1968, including property damage, fires, and arrests of Donald Bagley and Christen Cromory for possession of a deadly weapon. The FBI also referenced a code name for the case and requested photographs and fingerprints of suspects. Separate investigations in Florida included inquiries into Ray Cochrane’s alleged anti-Black attitudes and his connections to St. Augustine racial tensions, as well as administrative records related to U.S. Savings Bonds and form entries. A planned memorial march for King was noted in Cocoa, Florida, on April 7, 1968.  

Key People  
- **Martin Luther King Jr.**: Assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.  
- **Harvey Lowyer/Lowyer**: Suspect linked to a rifle found near the crime scene; described as white male, 36 years old, 5'8"–5'11", 150–160 lbs.  
- **W.R. Thompson**: Suspected individual with ties to Nashville, Tennessee; reported to be at his residence during the relevant period.  
- **Donald Bagley** and **Christen Cromory**: Arrested in Tampa for disturbances and possession of a deadly weapon.  
- **Ray Cochrane**: Florida resident linked to racial tensions in St. Augustine, described as possibly having anti-Black attitudes.  
- **Ralph Wright** and **Basil Woods**: U.S. Postal Service employees potentially connected to Cochrane’s activities.  
- **James KIDDER** and **VIRGINIA (KIDDER)**: Scrutinized for movements and alleged ties to Florida residences, including the Seminole Dog Track in Orlando.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination.  
- **Tampa, Florida**: Center of reported racial disturbances following MLK’s death; FBI SAC office location.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Linked to W.R. Thompson’s movements and residency.  
- **St. Augustine, Florida**: Cochrane’s alleged activities related to racial tensions.  
- **Cocoa, Florida**: Planned memorial march for King on April 7, 1968.  
- **Orlando, Florida**: Central to the Seminole Dog Track investigations and residences of Jerry and Jack COLLINS.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee; FBI initiated investigation into suspects.  
- **April 5, 1968**: Racial disturbances reported in Tampa, Florida, including property damage, fires, and arrests.  
- **April 7–8, 1968**: Verification of W.R. Thompson’s presence in Nashville, Tennessee, and his activities during the relevant period.  
- **April 5–6, 1968**: FBI investigated Ray Cochrane’s potential involvement, checked vehicle registrations (e.g., a 1968 white Mustang with Florida tags), and monitored civil rights activities.  
- **April 7, 1968**: Memorial march for King planned in Cocoa, Florida.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into the assassination and related disturbances, coordinating with local agencies.  
- **Tampa Police Department**: Reported incidents and arrests in Tampa following MLK’s death.  
- **U.S. Postal Service**: Mentioned in connection to Ralph Wright and Basil Woods’ potential involvement in Cochrane’s activities.  
- **National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)**: Referenced in the context of Charles Evers’ assassination plot, though unrelated to King’s murder.  
- **Seminole Dog Track**: A Florida-based facility linked to individuals under investigation, including Jerry and Jack COLLINS.

MLK Declassified Files

157-tp-3231_629182_175-01-part_1_of_8.pdf

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