</s>Mr. DeLeach May 13, 1968 1 - Mr. DeLoch 1 -Mr. D.Leach A. Rosen 1 -mr. Rosen 1- Mr. Bishops 1. Mr. Halley 1 - Mrs. Bishop MURKIN 1 - M.D. Cowan 1-Mr. Conrad 1 -M. Long 1 -Mrs. Cowen 1 - MR. Trotter 1-mr. Martinine 1 - mr. Martindale 1 -MR. Trottler This case involves the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr. On 5/10/68 Mexican authorities discovered a body buried on the beach at Acapulco. Police described it as that of a white sale, about thirty years old and believed to be an American. Police said, the body was believed to have been shot and said the death occurring about three days before the body was also shot with Mexican police fingerprinted the body and buried it. The local press special police fingerprinting the body of James Earl Ealy. The fingerprints taken by the police that the body that is that of Jane Earl Eary. The fingerprint identification of the police has been compared to lacking in that it is by the possible to determine whether or not they are identical. The FBI fingerprint expert is on route to apulco to attempt to reach a positive finding as to whether the body is identical with Ray. Circuit Judge John C. Casey, St. Louis, has advised the St. Louis Office is sentenced Ray to twenty years for armed robbery In 1959. This is the sentence Ray was serving when he escaped from Missouri State Penitentiary in April, 1967. A motion was filed to evacuate the above judgment because of alleged improper introduction to a signed statement, failure to afford a salty hearing, perjured testimony was on behalf of the State, faulty instructionations to the jury, and failure to furnish the advice and assistance of an attorney at all stages of the proceedings. The motion was overrated but on 4/1/87/67 the adsensouri Supreme Court reversed the order overruling the motion and the case was restored to the docket, 6/15/07. W.L.Laver (14) CONTINUED - OVER 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The documents detail FBI investigations into the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray’s alleged involvement. Key elements include Ray’s movements in Mexico, connections to unidentified deceased individuals (e.g., Robert Joseph Dunaway), and coordination with U.S. and Mexican authorities to verify records of potential suspects. The FBI conducted nationwide checks for unidentified bodies linked to Ray, including a decomposed white male found at Atlanta Airport on 5/7/68, later identified as Dunaway. Speculation arose about Ray using aliases inspired by literary characters, though no conclusive evidence was found. The Bureau also addressed media criticism of their investigation, refuting claims of bias or incompetence. Legal proceedings referenced Ray’s 1964 burglary conviction and his 1967 escape from prison, with discussions on immigration plans to Rhodesia. Coordination with state and local authorities included U.S. Census Bureau inquiries and state-level vital statistics checks.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of MLK Jr., tracked across the U.S. and Mexico; described as a loner, heavy drinker, and involved in prison-related plots.  
- **Thomas Britton**: Former Missouri State Penitentiary inmate who knew Ray; claimed Ray discussed plans to kill King through an organization called "The Business Association."  
- **Louis E. Lomax**: Journalist criticized the FBI’s handling of the case; his allegations were refuted by the Bureau.  
- **Robert Joseph Dunaway**: Identified as the body found in Atlanta; linked to organized crime (shylock operations) but no direct connection to MLK’s assassination.  
- **William Earless Miller**: Former inmate with Ray at Missouri State Penitentiary, reported Ray disliked Western music and took pills but did not confirm his presence in Campeche.  
- **Robert Powell**: Allegedly wanted Ray to assault his girlfriend Frankie Barbara in Do Fun, Missouri; under investigation.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Origin of the FBI investigation; Ray was last seen in the city before fleeing.  
- **Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Campache)**: Ray allegedly traveled to these locations; FBI checked records for unidentified deceased persons.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Site of the decomposed body discovery on 5/7/68, later identified as Dunaway.  
- **Detroit, Michigan**: License plate information linked to the car found with Dunaway’s body.  
- **Campeche, Mexico**: State and city where investigations focused; local law enforcement agencies (Campchee State Judicial Police, Highway Police) assisted in checks.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Location of Ray’s incarceration; William Earless Miller was a former inmate.  

Key Events  
- **5/7/68**: Decomposed body of a white male discovered at Atlanta Airport; fingerprint comparison confirmed it as Robert Joseph Dunaway.  
- **4/5/68–5/7/68**: FBI conducted nationwide checks for unidentified deceased persons potentially linked to Ray, coordinating with U.S. and Mexican authorities.  
- **Shelby County Grand Jury (Memphis)**: Indicted Fay (likely a typo; context unclear) for murder on 5/6/68.  
- **Speculation on aliases**: FBI addressed claims that Ray used names like "Eric Galt" or "Raymond" inspired by book characters, though no conclusive evidence was found.  
- **Investigation into Campeche, Mexico**: Local law enforcement checked hotels, bars, liquor stores, grocery stores, and houses of prostitution for Ray’s presence; no definitive information found.  
- **Planning for grand jury indictment**: Authorities planned to seek a murder indictment against Ray via a Memphis grand jury on 5/7/68, with FBI testimony requested.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central to the investigation, coordinated with local and international agencies, handled fingerprint comparisons, and refuted media criticisms.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Collaborated with FBI on the murder warrant and evidence sharing.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department**: Engaged with FBI in checking records related to Ray’s activities.  
- **Campchee State Judicial Police and Highway Police**: Assisted in investigations in Campeche, Mexico.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division**: Briefed on case reports from Atlanta, Birmingham, Los Angeles, and Memphis offices; restricted dissemination of information outside the Department or Birmingham office.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Historical incarceration location for Ray; William Earless Miller was a former inmate.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_sec_011_ser_231_only-part_4_of_7.pdf

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