</s>0-248 (EV. 419-00) H. S. L. Larmment of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) ATLANTA FEDERAL BUREAU FORA REQUEST, DO NOT DESTROY PURSUSUAN 5 YEAR RULE SERIAL. MURKIN FEDERAL BUREAO SEE 90-90. INVESTIGATION ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED Bureau File Number 443886/ FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION Santrelle Nantrels. Santrellle Narnelles. ALL INFORMATION CONTENTING DATE: 3/10/03 SPICKIS See also Nos. DO NOT DESTRY PRESERVE FOR SELECT COMMITE ON ASSASSINATIONS Santrella 46868 #3 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail an FBI investigation into Eric Starvo GALT (FNU) GALT, also known as HARVEY LOWMEYER, linked to the assassination of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., which occurred on April 4, 1968. The Bureau File Number 443886/ is referenced, with investigations spanning from April 1966 to April 1968. Key elements include GALT’s purchase of a Remington 30.06 rifle (Model 760, Serial No. 46146) on August 31, 1966, from Wabberly-Thomas Hardware Company in Birmingham, Alabama. His residence at 2008 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, was associated with PETER CHERPES, and mail arrival notices (Article No. 6762366) dated October 4, 1967, indicated his presence there before relocation. The FBI tracked GALT’s car purchases, including a 1966 Mustang two-door from WILLIAM D. PAISLEY on August 29–30, 1967. A warrant was issued by SAC JOSEPH R. GAMBLE on June 17, 1968, charging GALT with murder using a high-powered rifle. Additional records include the sale of a Remington Model 700 rifle (Serial No. 461616) to an individual using the name HARVEY LOWMEYER by Aeromarine Supply Company in Birmingham on March 30, 1968, confirmed by DONALD F. WOOD. The FBI retrieved the rifle and related items for forensic analysis, coordinating with the FBI Identification Division and transporting evidence via air to Atlanta. Witness accounts from Aeromarine Supply Company describe a white male buyer (described as age 30–32, dark brown hair, wearing a dark business suit and wingtip shoes) purchasing the rifle and scope sight on March 29, 1968, with behavioral traits noted by witnesses including quiet demeanor and lack of firearms knowledge.  

Key People  
- ERIC STARVO GALT (FNU) GALT: Subject of the investigation, linked to MLK’s assassination; also known as HARVEY LOWMEYER.  
- HENRY A. SNOW: Special Agent involved in the case.  
- RICHARD MACEY TAYLOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) who authorized a bond request for GALT.  
- JOSEPH R. GAMBLE: SAC (Special Agent in Charge) who filed a warrant against GALT.  
- PETER CHERPES: Rooming house operator at 2008 Highland Avenue, Birmingham.  
- DONALD F. WOOD: Salesman at Aeromarine Supply Company confirming the rifle sale.  
- JOHN WEBSTER DE SHAZO: Witness who observed the rifle purchase and described the buyer.  
- JOHN DENNIS HANNERS: Another witness with overlapping observations of the buyer.  
- U.L. BAKER: Employee of Aeromarine Supply Company involved in the sale.  
- HOYLE STEPHENS: Manager of Aeromarine Supply Company, identified as a gray-haired salesman.  
- A. L. IRWIN: Birmingham Police Department patrolman who encountered the buyer at the store.  
- CHARLES F. CAUDLE: Employee of Aeromarine Supply Company with no recollection of the purchase.  

Key Locations  
- BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: Central to the investigation; includes Western Union offices, Post Office branches, rooming house at 2008 Highland Avenue, and Aeromarine Supply Company (Airport Highway).  
- MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Mentioned in context of U.S. Attorney’s Office handling and release of documents.  
- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Site of mail arrival notice issuance.  
- ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Final destination for transported evidence.  
- BIRMINGHAM TRUST NATIONAL BANK: Mentioned in context of safe deposit box records linked to GALT.  

Key Events  
- April 4, 1968: Assassination of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., prompting the investigation into potential conspirators.  
- August 31, 1966: GALT purchased a Remington 30.06 rifle from Wabberly-Thomas Hardware Company in Birmingham.  
- March 29, 1968: A white male purchased a Remington Model 700 rifle and scope sight at Aeromarine Supply Company in Birmingham.  
- April 12, 1968: Postal Inspector HUGH EBERTON provided mail arrival notice details to Special Agent LAWRENCE G. GETTING.  
- June 17, 1968: Warrant issued by SAC JOSEPH R. GAMBLE charging GALT with murder using a high-powered rifle.  
- March 30, 1968: Classified advertisement in the Birmingham Herald promoted firearms and related equipment at Aeromarine Supply Company.  

Key Organizations  
- FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI): Conducted the investigation into GALT’s activities and connections to MLK’s assassination; coordinated evidence retrieval and forensic analysis.  
- U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Handled document release and legal proceedings related to GALT.  
- AEROMARINE SUPPLY COMPANY: Retail establishment central to the rifle sales and witness reports.  
- BIRMINGHAM TRUST NATIONAL BANK: Mentioned in context of safe deposit box records linked to GALT.  
- WESTERN UNION: Involved in tracking mail and financial transactions tied to GALT.  
- NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION (NRA): Mentioned as a membership detail for JOHN WEBSTER DE SHAZO.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_158-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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