</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5:22-64) F.B1 Date: 4/8/68 Transmit the following in PLAINTEXT Type in plaintext or code) TELETYPE (Priority) Via IMMEDIATE TO : DIRECTOR, BIRMINGHAM, MEMPHIS, ATLANTIA, BALTIMORE, BOSTON, CINCINNATI, LAS VEGAS, LOS ANGELES, NEWARK, RICHMOND, SAN DIEGO, AND SAN FRANCISCO FROM: SAC, ALBANY: (157-273) MURKIN; CR; 00: MEMPHILS RE ALBAMY TEL TO BUREAU APRIL SEVEN LAST AND RE ALBABY TEL to BUREAU ATLANTA, BALTIMOR, BRITLMORE, TELEPHONE CALLS TO BOREAU, ATLANIA, BOTTON, BATTIMORE. AND SAN francisco, APRIL EIGHT INSTANTANT. SEARCH OF PREMISES BELIEVED OCCUPIED BY UNSUB WHO ASSASSINATED DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ON FOUR FOUR SIXTYEIGHT DISCLOSED SUITCASE IN WHICH WAS LOCATED TEE SHIRT AND UNDER SHORTS BEARING LAUNDRY MARK ON RED TAPE WITH BLACK LETTERING BELLEVED TO BE THERMO- SEAL TYPE, MANUFACTURED BY TEXTILE MARKING MACHINE 44-493-22 CO ., INC ., SYRACUSE, N.Y. THE TAPE IS ONE QUARTER INCH WIDE AND ONE ONE SIXTEENTH INCH LONG AND 1-157-223 RSR:ktc (1) Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent allgodM Per See Cojes 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14/16/18

Summary  
The document details an FBI investigation into laundry equipment used in connection with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. The focus is on Thermoseal machines capable of producing coded tapes (1/8" long, 1/4" wide) associated with laundry items. These machines were linked to a suitcase found at the assassination scene, which contained laundry marks on red tape with black lettering attributed to Textile Marking Machine Co., Inc., Syracuse, N.Y. The code system included lot numbers, days of the week, bundle numbers, and color coding for months or stores. The FBI coordinated across multiple states to locate textile machines using this type of tape and identify those employing the specific code.  

Key People  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (assassinated April 4, 1968)  
- Unsub (unidentified subject who assassinated MLK)  
- Donald Broton (Textile Marking Machine Company representative)  
- Special Agents in Charge (FBI offices)  

Key Locations  
- Miami, Florida  
- Tampa, Florida  
- Syracuse, New York  
- Birmingham, Alabama  
- Memphis, Tennessee  
- Atlanta, Georgia  
- Mobile, Alabama  
- Phoenix, Arizona  
- Denver, Colorado  
- Washington, D.C.  

Key Events  
- Search of premises linked to the unsub (April 1968)  
- Discovery of laundry marks on red tape at MLK's assassination scene  
- FBI investigation into Thermoseal machines and coded tapes used in laundries  
- Coordination between FBI offices to track specific laundry equipment across states  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Textile Marking Machine Company, Inc. (Syracuse, N.Y.)  
- Local laundries and cleaners in multiple states (e.g., Miami Laundry, Tampa Paimaceia Cleaners, etc.)

MLK Declassified Files

44-al-493-493a_729423_01-01-part_3_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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