</s>OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 GEA (FRI-FRI) (OPT) 811-14 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : SAC, Atlanta DATE: April 29, 1968 SUBJECT: : Director, FBI JAMES EARL RAY, aka - FUGITIVE I.O. #4182: W. F. W. #442-A CIVIL RIGHTS - CONSPIRACY, INTERSTATE FLIGHT - ARMED ROBBERY "TEN MOST WANTED FUGITTIVES" PROGRAM NEWSPAPER MAT Being forwarded under separate cover is a supply of newspaper mats and proofs of expeditious distribution to all cooperative daily and weekly newspapers in your territory. Additional publications such as shoppers' guides should not be overlooked in obtaining the greatest possible publicity regarding this fugitive! In most cases, these mats and proofs may be distributed by mail but when circumstances warrant they may be personally delivered by Special Agents. A form letter over the signature of the Special Agent in Charge may be a letter from the FBI requesting the aid of the Nation's letter should point out that the FBI is requesting the Aid of the National's press in bringing about the prompt apprehension of this badly sought fugitive. Prompt distribution should be made and additional supplies, if needed, are available at the Bureau. The following number of mats and props are being forwarded to your office under separate cover: 170. As an additional means of securing widespread publicity concerning Ray, offices covering the place of publication of magazines which have previously cooperated in publicizing FBI fugitives should request the assistance of such publications in carrying an article on cap- toned fugitive. The Bureau press release, copies of which are available in the Bureau press releases, copies are available furnished. The earliest possible publication of this material should be encouraged and special attention should be given to publications aimed at minority groups. 44-2386-1500 SEARCHED INDEXED SERIALIZED: FILLED APR 2-0 1968 81-ATLANTA Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O . 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray as a suspect. Key actions include tracking Ray's movements, checking passport records, and interviewing witnesses in Memphis and Atlanta. The FBI coordinated with local agencies to locate Ray, who was linked to the murder through surveillance and witness accounts. A white Mustang car is noted as potentially connected to the crime scene, though its relevance remains under review. The investigation also involved reviewing newspaper ads for potential suspects, checking employment records, and verifying travel itineraries. Multiple FBI offices in Memphis, Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans participated in the inquiry.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (suspect linked to Dr. King's assassination)  
- Robert Wagar (individual mentioned in a telegram to Bullard’s Lockmaster)  
- Willard F. Ray (music student at University of Miami, eliminated as suspect via fingerprint check)  
- Dora McDonald (former secretary to Dr. King, contacted for information)  
- James Hester (FBI agent involved in Memphis investigation)  
- Joseph Patrick Ayers and Thomas R. Henry Jr. (Atlanta-based FBI agents conducting interviews)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (crime scene, Lorraine Motel, Rebel Motel, South Main Street)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (SCLC Headquarters, Bullard’s Lockmaster, Atlanta Journal and Constitution)  
- New Orleans, Louisiana (Delta Airlines ticket office, passport agency checks)  
- Miami, Florida (University of Miami, Willard F. Ray’s residence)  

Key Events:  
- FBI investigation into Dr. King’s assassination, focusing on James Earl Ray’s movements and potential involvement.  
- Surveillance of Delta Airlines tickets and travel itineraries for suspects.  
- Interviews with witnesses at the Lorraine Motel and other locations in Memphis.  
- Passport checks for James Earl Ray to track his travel history.  
- Review of employment records and newspaper ads for potential suspects.  
- Coordination between FBI offices in Memphis, Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  
- Delta Airlines  
- United States Department of State (Passport Office)  
- Local law enforcement agencies in Memphis and Atlanta

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_159-04-part_1_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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