Summary  
The document details FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on fingerprint analysis, trial preparations, and cross-border smuggling activities. Key elements include discrepancies in fingerprint evidence at 422 ½ South Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee, noted by Percy Foreman during an inspection. The FBI reviewed Warren Commission Exhibit 2632, concluding a photo of Ray could not have been taken in November 1963 due to his incarceration until April 1967. RCMP confirmed Ray’s handwriting on a registration card for the "Town 'n Country Motel" in Ottawa, Ontario, dated August 18, 1967. Legal proceedings involved contempt charges against George Bonebrake and delays in Ray’s trial due to scheduling conflicts with his attorney. The FBI also examined William Bradford Huie’s *Look* magazine articles (November 28, 1968) and requested verification of Ray’s travel between April 1967 and December 1967, including alleged meetings with Raoul and financial transactions with William D. Paisley.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Accused of assassinating MLK Jr., subject of FBI investigations, fingerprint analysis, and legal proceedings.  
- Percy Foreman: Attorney for Ray, inspected premises at 422 ½ South Main Street and requested FBI assistance regarding evidence.  
- J. Edgar Hoover: Former FBI Director referenced in correspondence about investigation protocols and access to evidence.  
- William Bradford Huie: Author of *Look* magazine articles on Ray’s activities, reviewed by the FBI for verification.  
- Raoul: Unnamed alleged associate of Ray, mentioned in financial transactions and potential conspiracies.  
- William D. Paisley: Individual involved in financial dealings with Ray.  

Key Locations  
- 422 ½ South Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee: Crime scene linked to MLK’s assassination; inspected by Foreman’s team.  
- "Town 'n Country Motel," Ottawa, Ontario: Registration card verified by RCMP as bearing Ray’s handwriting.  
- Memphis Police Department: Referenced in press conference details and crime scene documentation.  
- Shelby County, Tennessee: Sheriff William N. Morris provided information to the DA’s office.  
- Mexico: Mentioned in context of Ray’s smuggling activities between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  

Key Events  
- Inspection of premises at 422 ½ South Main Street by Foreman’s team, noting fingerprint discrepancies attributed to Ray.  
- Preparation of trial exhibits for MLK assassination case, including crime scene measurements and models.  
- RCMP verification of Ray’s handwriting on a motel registration card in Ottawa, Ontario.  
- FBI review of *Look* magazine articles by William Bradford Huie and investigation into Ray’s travel between April 1967 and December 1967.  
- Analysis of Warren Commission Exhibit 2632, concluding the photo could not have been taken in November 1963 due to Ray’s incarceration.  
- Legal proceedings against George Bonebrake for contempt charges related to the case.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted investigations into Ray’s activities, cross-border smuggling, and trial preparations.  
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): Collaborated with FBI on verification of Ray’s handwriting and travel records.  
- Memphis Police Department: Provided crime scene documentation and press conference details.  
- Shelby County District Attorney’s Office: Involved in legal proceedings and information sharing with the FBI.  
- United States Department of Justice: Handled referrals and legal actions related to the investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_bulky_231_sec_004_ser_231_only-part_10_of_14.pdf

Document Summary

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