</s>WOOD, Donald F. Aeromarine SA Barrett Saucer II-19 Wood asked whether we could identify a customer who purchased a gun case for a Varnint model rifle on 3/29/68. Invoice revealed that there was such a sale made out to cash, but Wood recalled that pur- chaser was a regular customer named John, a white male, about 25 years, 5'10", 170 lbs ., long black hair, Wood recalled selling to this man a Browning pistol about 2 1/2 years ago. Wood's records revealed this man is John Webster DeShazo, 17 Montevallo Lane, Mt. Brook, Ala. Wood made available 3 weapons identified by DeShazo as having been handled by man who purchased a rifle and scope on 3 /29/66. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains records from law enforcement investigations related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on firearm sales, witness accounts, and logistical details. Donald Wood, owner of Aeromarine Supply Co., reported selling a Remington 700 rifle and ammunition to John DeShazo (also identified as John Webster DeShazo) in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 29, 1968. DeShazo was described as a white male, approximately 25 years old, 5'10", 170 lbs, with long black hair. Wood noted DeShazo had previously purchased a Browning pistol from him. Records indicate DeShazo handled weapons linked to the assassination investigation. Other entries detail witness statements, such as Rev. Andrew Young’s account of the shooting at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968, and logistical details like bullet recovery and evidence handling. The documents also include information about threatening calls received by Wood and his son in Birmingham, Alabama, between July and August 1968.  

Key People  
- **Donald Wood**: Owner of Aeromarine Supply Co., reported firearm sales to John DeShazo.  
- **John Webster DeShazo**: Purchased a Remington 700 rifle and ammunition from Wood; linked to weapon handling in the assassination investigation.  
- **Rev. Andrew Young**: Witness at Lorraine Motel who observed King’s shooting, described the location of the shot, and provided details about post-shooting actions.  
- **Robert E. Wood**: Father of Donald Wood, owner of Aeromarine Supply Co., mentioned in firearm sales records.  
- **Cordra York Sr./Jr.**: Owners of York Arms Co., reported selling binoculars to an individual (possibly James Earl Ray) on April 4, 1968.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Site of Aeromarine Supply Co. and firearm sales; also mentioned in context of threatening calls.  
- **Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee**: Location of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968.  
- **Canipe Amusement Co., Memphis, Tennessee**: Site where evidence (including bullets) was recovered post-assassination.  

Key Events  
- **Firearm Sales**: Donald Wood sold a Remington 700 rifle and ammunition to John DeShazo on March 29, 1968; Robert E. Wood also supplied a similar weapon to an individual linked to the investigation.  
- **Assassination of MLK**: Occurred at Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968; witnesses provided accounts of the shooting and its aftermath.  
- **Evidence Handling**: Bullet recovery from the scene, including items collected by Inspector Zachary at Canipe Amusement Co. and sent to forensic labs.  
- **Threatening Calls**: Robert E. Wood and his son reported receiving threatening calls in Birmingham, Alabama, between July and August 1968.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI**: Involved in the investigation, with agents collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and tracking firearm sales.  
- **Aeromarine Supply Co.**: Sold firearms linked to the assassination investigation; owned by Donald Wood and Robert E. Wood.  
- **York Arms Co.**: Sold binoculars potentially connected to the assassination, with records indicating sales to an individual (possibly James Earl Ray).  
- **Lorraine Motel**: Site of MLK’s assassination; investigated for witness accounts and physical evidence.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-43418_bulky_1_sec_001_ser_1_only-part_41_of_48.pdf

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