</s>yelm 7ag Mr. DeLeach April 27, 1968 1 - Mr. DeLoach A. Rosen 1 -Mr. Rosen 1 - Mrs. Malley MURKIN 1 - MR. McGovern 1- Mr. Long 1 - M. McDonough 1 -MR. Mcdonough 1-Mr. Bishop This is the case involving the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr. With respect to the Director's injury regarding the variances in description between James Earl Ray and Eric Galit the following is set forth. James Earl Rey who used to the allas Eric Starvo Gall has been identified as the subject in the King case. Ray is an escaped convict from the Missouri State Penitentiary at Jefferson City, Missouri. His description is based on information in the official records of the pententiary where old photos were taken and the description was recorded. penitentiary where on photos were found in the early 20th, 1928, and in Alton, Illinois. This is forty verified through official birth records. It was determined through investigative investigation that King's slayer was an individual who had used the names John Willard, Harvey Layer and Eric Galt. The description of the individual and Information on his past activities were developed through witnesses, some of whom and only fleeting electict were or observation of the subject, resulting in variations in the descriptions furnished. On painstaking reconstruction of the subject's background we secured a photograph which has been taken in connection with his completing a bartending course in California in March, 1968. In order to afford the most extensive and widespread publicity to the subject to possibly assist in his early location and apprehension, were this photograph and description and past activities, as then reported, were released to the general public. EJ.Mivea (9) CONTINUED - OVER 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details the FBI's investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on discrepancies in descriptions of James Earl Ray and Eric Galt as potential suspects. Ray, identified as an escaped convict from Missouri State Penitentiary, was linked to the case through official records and witness accounts. His age (40) and birthdate (March 10, 1928) were verified via birth records. The investigation noted conflicting descriptions of the suspect due to limited witness observations, with some witnesses identifying him as John Willard, Harvey Layer, or Eric Galt. A photograph from a bartending course in California (March 1968) was released publicly to aid in his identification and apprehension. The FBI also addressed inconsistencies between Ray and Galt, clarifying that Ray was the subject of the case.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Identified as the suspect; escaped convict from Missouri State Penitentiary.  
- Eric Galt: Alias used by Ray; linked to the investigation through witness accounts.  
- Frank Holloman: Former FBI agent and current head of Memphis Police Department, confirmed statements attributed to him were false.  
- Bill Price: Memphis Police Department assistant chief who denied making statements about the case.  
- Neal Edgar Ady: Inmate at Texas prison who provided information on Ray’s escape methods.  
- Dennis (Dryrell Denis): Narcotic addict with ties to Los Angeles and New Orleans, denied involvement in the case.  

Key Locations  
- Jefferson City, Missouri: Site of Missouri State Penitentiary where Ray was incarcerated.  
- Alton, Illinois: Birthplace of Ray; referenced in birth records.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Center of police investigation and interactions with law enforcement.  
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Mentioned as a location for witness accounts and package deliveries.  
- Los Angeles, California: Linked to Ray’s movements and the bartending course photograph.  

Key Events  
- Release of Ray’s photograph and description in March 1968 to aid public identification.  
- Investigation into discrepancies between Ray and Galt, with FBI clarifying Ray was the subject.  
- Verification of Ray’s birth records and escape from Missouri State Penitentiary.  
- Interactions with Memphis Police Department regarding conflicting statements by officers.  
- Inmate accounts of prison escapes and methods used by Ray.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Led the investigation, released public information on Ray.  
- Memphis Police Department: Collaborated with FBI; addressed discrepancies in officer statements.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary: Provided records confirming Ray’s incarceration and escape.  
- Texas Prison System: Inmate Neal Edgar Ady provided details on prison escape methods.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_sec_011_ser_231_only-part_7_of_7.pdf

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