</s>- Piv with T.o AIRTEL 10/7/75 To: SAC, Memphis (44-1987) Director, FBI (44)-38861) 1 - Mr. McDonald From: MURKIN ReMairtel 27/27/75, advising that Federal process was still outstanding in U.S. District Court, Birmingham. The Birmingham Office has advised that the Federal process was dismissed 12/7/.71. The Birmingham office should submit LMN approximately showing this dismissal for dissemination to the Civil Rights Division which has already been orally advised. Ensure your files show the correct information on this aspect. 1 - SAC, Atlanta (INFO) 1 - SAS, Birmingham (INFO). EJM:bap (6) 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details FBI investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, and the shooting of Governor George Wallace in Laurel, Maryland, on May 15, 1972. James Earl Ray was convicted of MLK’s murder in a state court trial in 1969 but later appealed his conviction; federal charges against him were dismissed in 1975. The FBI concluded that Ray acted alone, with no evidence of conspiracy. Eric Galt, who purchased a Remington Model 760 rifle linked to the assassination in Birmingham, Alabama, was charged with conspiracy but faced procedural issues leading to the dismissal of his case. Robert Byron Watson claimed to have overheard conspirators planning MLK’s assassination but later retracted his statements, which were deemed fabricated. The FBI also dismissed conspiracy theories involving figures like E. Howard Hunt and the Watergate group. CBS sought access to evidence from Ray’s trial for a documentary, but requests were denied due to pending legal proceedings. Arthur Bremer, who shot Wallace in Laurel, Maryland, was sentenced to prison but had federal charges dismissed after appeals.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of MLK’s murder in 1969; appealed conviction, with federal charges dismissed in 1975.  
- **Eric Galt**: Purchased Remington Model 760 rifle linked to the assassination; charged with conspiracy but case dismissed due to procedural issues.  
- **Robert Byron Watson**: Claimed to have overheard conspirators planning MLK’s assassination; statements later retracted as fabricated.  
- **Lillian Watson**: Robert’s mother, sought government reward for information; son’s claims were deemed unfounded.  
- **Arthur Herman Bremer**: Shot and wounded Governor Wallace in Laurel, Maryland; sentenced to prison, with federal charges dismissed after appeals.  
- **E. Howard Hunt** and **G. Gordon Liddy**: Mentioned in conspiracy theories related to Wallace’s shooting but found not involved.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination; where Ray was tried and convicted.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Location of rifle purchase linked to the assassination.  
- **Laurel, Maryland**: Site of Governor Wallace’s shooting by Arthur Bremer.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Home to Robert Byron Watson and related investigations.  
- **Cincinnati, Ohio**: U.S. Court of Appeals location for Ray’s appeal.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: MLK assassinated in Memphis; James Earl Ray convicted in state court.  
- **May 15, 1972**: Governor Wallace shot by Arthur Bremer in Laurel, Maryland.  
- **March 1968**: Remington Model 760 rifle purchased in Birmingham, Alabama.  
- **June 3, 1968**: James Earl Ray arrested in London and extradited to Memphis.  
- **December 7, 1971**: Federal process against Eric Galt dismissed due to procedural issues.  
- **September 25, 1975**: CBS petitioned for access to ballistic evidence; request denied by Tennessee court.  
- **April 1970**: Watson and his mother interviewed by authorities regarding conspiracy claims.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into both assassinations, concluding no conspiracy in MLK’s case.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Involved in reviewing cases and handling appeals.  
- **U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit**: Handled Ray’s appeal; maintained records on the case.  
- **Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)**: Requested access to evidence from Ray’s trial for a documentary; petition denied.  
- **Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)**: Watson attempted undercover work after release from prison but was prohibited under parole conditions.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_bulky_231_sec_003_ser_231_only-part_11_of_15.pdf

Document Summary

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