</s>TP. 157-3331 PATTERN TYPE RIDGE COUNT OR WEORL TRACING 7 Left Index Double Loop Whorl Inner Tracing 8 Left Middle Uinar Loop Ridge Count 15 #9 Left Ring Central Pocket Loop Whori Inner Tracing #10 Left Little Uinar Loop Ridge Court 16 It should be noted the Primary of 9/4 inches the location of the whorl patterns which can only be in fingers, and the third of the following patterns. the best of 47, or any fingertip, for quick identification that purpose, is that of finger #7. However, it should be further noted any examination of the fingers of a suspect will remain noted any contamination of the fingerprints of the impression. It is suggested the Bureau may desire to suggest that other field offices circuaries may require information to their agents which has been done in Tampa. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document includes FBI fingerprint analysis of James Earl Ray (JER), detailing his left index fingerprint classification as a "Double Loop Whorl" with specific ridge counts. It notes JER’s use of aliases linked to fictional characters from Ian Fleming’s *James Bond* novels and Ayn Rand’s *Atlas Shrugged*. FBI Tampa office memos describe efforts to identify JER through fingerprint comparisons, photo distribution to law enforcement and media, and coordination with local police departments (e.g., Sanford, Florida) for witness identification. Administrative notes reference the release of JER’s photographs and internal FBI directives on fugitive information handling. A separate memorandum dated May 14, 1968, from SAC Tampa details an interview with Mrs. Russell Ledlow, Sr., who reported observing a male passenger on Delta Airlines flight #333 (Cincinnati to Tampa) appearing to have partial Army uniform elements, reading about MLK’s assassination, and displaying behavior suggestive of planning violence. She noted the suspect’s physical description, including a crewcut hairstyle, and compared him to photographs of JER. Mrs. Ledlow also mentioned her husband’s account of family jokes about her recognition tendencies.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (JER)  
- SAC Tampa (Field Office)  
- SA Tiptert J. O’Hara (FBI Tampa)  
- Robert C. Ball (FBI Tampa)  
- Mrs. Russell Ledlow, Sr.  
- John J. Gaffney (SA, Tampa)  

Key Locations  
- Tampa, Florida  
- Sanford, Florida  
- Cincinnati, Ohio  
- Atlanta, Georgia  
- Delta Airlines flight #333  

Key Events  
- FBI fingerprint analysis of James Earl Ray’s prints  
- Distribution of JER’s photographs to law enforcement and media  
- Coordination with local police departments (e.g., Sanford, Florida) for witness identification  
- Mrs. Ledlow’s observation of a suspect on April 6, 1968, during Delta Airlines flight #333  
- Description of the suspect’s appearance (crewcut hairstyle, potential military affiliation) and behavior (reading about MLK’s assassination)  
- Mrs. Ledlow’s comparison of the suspect to James Earl Ray based on photographs  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – SAC Tampa, SA John J. Gaffney  
- Yellow Cab Co. (Sanford, Florida)  
- Local police departments (e.g., Sanford, Florida)  
- Delta Airlines

MLK Declassified Files

157-tp-3231_629182_175-03-part_8_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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