</s>Man reached into right pocket and withdrew roll of bills. Gave Carpenter 2 twenties, a one-dollar bill, 2 quarters, and a nickle. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail witness accounts and investigative records related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) on April 4, 1968, focusing on individuals connected to the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Key elements include statements from witnesses such as Ralph Carpenter, Charles Gibson, and Mrs. Bessie Brewer regarding a man purchasing binoculars from York Arms Co. on April 4, 1968, and subsequent observations of an individual fleeing the hotel after gunfire was heard. The documents reference binocular sales, invoice details (e.g., serial numbers, shipment dates), and descriptions of suspects, including a man described as "slim," wearing a dark jacket, and carrying an object wrapped in a blanket. Witness accounts mention hearing gunshots around 6:00 p.m. on April 4, 1968, and seeing a person running from the hotel premises. The documents also include administrative notes about declassification under Executive Order 14176 (2025) and references to photographs of individuals compared to suspects.  

Key People:  
- **Ralph Carpenter**: Witness who sold binoculars to an individual described as "Ray" on April 4, 1968; later institutionalized for mental health issues.  
- **Mrs. Bessie Brewer**: Hotel manager who rented room 5-B to a man identified as John Willard (described as white, 35–40 years old, 5'11"–6', 180 lbs).  
- **Frank Brewer**: Mrs. Brewer’s husband; reported hearing gunfire and witnessing a man flee the hotel with an object wrapped in a blanket.  
- **Charles Gibson**: Witness who noted a man purchasing binoculars on April 4, 1968.  
- **Anschutz (William Charles)**: Witness who heard gunfire and saw a man running from the hotel with an object resembling a gun.  

Key Locations:  
- **Lorraine Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination; referenced as "Mem" in documents.  
- **York Arms Co., Memphis**: Retailer where binoculars were sold; linked to the investigation.  
- **Room 5-B**: Rented by the suspect (John Willard) at the Lorraine Hotel.  

Key Events:  
- **Sale of binoculars**: A man purchased binoculars from York Arms Co. on April 4, 1968; described as "Ray" in witness accounts.  
- **Gunshot incident**: Witnesses reported hearing gunfire around 6:00 p.m. on April 4, 1968, and saw a man fleeing the hotel with an object wrapped in a blanket.  
- **Witness identifications**: Photographs of suspects (e.g., "Ray") were shown to witnesses for comparison, though no definitive identification was made.  

Key Organizations:  
- **York Arms Co.**: Retail store involved in binocular sales; referenced as part of the investigation.  
- **FBI**: Mentioned through interactions with Mrs. Brewer and other witnesses (e.g., receipt of $20 bills from Mrs. Brewer).  
- **LHM (likely abbreviation)**: Possibly linked to hotel management or investigative records, though context is unclear.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-43418_bulky_1_sec_002_ser_1_only-part_27_of_63.pdf

Document Summary

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