</s>PD-28is (Key: 34-67) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION REPORTING OFFICE OFFICE OF ORIGIN DATE INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD JACKSON MEMPHIS 5/2/68 4/10 - 4/24/68 TITLE OF CASE REPORT MADE BY TYPED BY JAMES EARL RAY, aka - 5/1/68 JUGITIVE SA JOHN L. PUDDISTER cim. TO # 4182, WF # 442-A, CHARACTER OF CASE TO # MARTIN FUGITIVITE; CHARACTE OF CASE CR - CONSPIRACY; DCP MARTin LUTHER KING, JR. UFAC - ROBBERY (DECEASED) - VICTIM UFAC - ROBBERY REFERENCE: Memphis report of SA JOE C. HESTER, 4/30/68. - P - LEAD: JACKSON AT JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI Will continue efforts to locate JAMES EARLY RAY. All leads being handled immediately upon receipt. ACCOMPLISHMENTS CLAIMED ACQUIT CASE HAS BEEN: CONVIC AUTO. FUG. FINES SAVINGS RECOVERIES TALS PENDING OVER ONE YEAR OVER PROSECUTION YES NO OVER SIX MONTHS YES NO APPROVED SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW COPIES MADE: 5 - Bureau (44-38861) 44-23361657 SERIALIZED: SEARCHED: INDEXED. SERIALIZE: FILLED. (Continued on Cover Page B) MAY 4 1968 FRIED: 2 - 2 - Jackson (157-9586) Notations <loc_522><loc_818>Agency Dissemination Record of Attached Rooe) <loc_425><loc_832><loc_170><loc_832>Request Recd. Date Fwd. How Fwd By: <loc_94><loc_898><loc_111><loc_898><loc_111><loc_907><loc_94><loc_907>2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14478

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigative efforts from December 1967 to April 1968 related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray (JER) and associated individuals. Key elements include forensic analysis of Schlitz beer cans (March 15, 1968) and brown paper bags labeled "Homestead Stubby," interviews with motel staff and witnesses at the Provincial Motel in New Orleans regarding Eric S. Galt’s stay (December 17–19, 1967), and inquiries into connections between Galt, Harvey Lowery, Charles Stein, and Frank Libertorio. The FBI examined hotel records, telephone logs, and physical evidence to trace movements and associations. No direct links to MLK’s assassination were confirmed in these documents, though the investigation was part of a broader probe into potential conspiracies.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected in MLK’s assassination; reported staying at Thrift Courts Motel in Senatobia, Mississippi, driving a white Mustang with an Alabama license plate.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Investigated as a possible associate; stayed at Provincial Motel in New Orleans (December 17–19, 1967).  
- **Harvey Lowery**: Linked to Galt through motel records and alleged associations.  
- **Charles Stein**: Mentioned in context of travel to New Orleans with Galt.  
- **Frank Libertorio**: Investigated for potential connections to the case.  
- **Donald Dickson**: Employed at R.D. Cole Manufacturing, reported a white male staying at Thrift Courts Motel.  
- **Raymond Robinson**: Owner of Thrift Courts Motel in Senatobia, Mississippi.  
- **LEW HOUSTON**: Manager of Service Beverage Company, provided details on Schlitz beer shipments.  
- **William McLaughlin, Bill Laughlin, William Nc Lauglin Jr.**: Testified they did not know Ray.  
- **Sven Ron, Gloria Barret, Bryan Dupeps**: Staff and owner-manager of Provincial Motel in New Orleans.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central to the investigation; referenced in context of MLK’s assassination and related activities.  
- **Jackson, Mississippi**: FBI field office conducting the investigation.  
- **Senatobia, Mississippi**: Location of Thrift Courts Motel where JER was reportedly staying.  
- **Southaven, Mississippi**: Site of Southern Minnow Shop associated with Schlitz beer and "Homestead Stubby" paper bags.  
- **Provincial Motel, New Orleans, Louisiana**: Central location for Galt’s stay and FBI interviews; 1024 Chartres Street.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Mentioned in telecommunication records and as a point of origin for some individuals.  

Key Events  
- **December 17–19, 1967**: Eric S. Galt’s stay at Provincial Motel; FBI reviewed registration records and room details.  
- **April 10–24, 1968**: FBI investigation into JER’s whereabouts in Mississippi, including checks at motels, service stations, and highways (51, 45, 78).  
- **April 1968**: FBI Laboratory analysis confirmed beer can markings matched those from Southern Minnow Shop in Southaven.  
- **Telephone logs**: Reviewed for long-distance calls from Provincial Motel; no activity noted from Room 126 during Galt’s stay.  
- **Forensic comparisons**: Beer cans and paper bags linked to Ray’s alleged activities were analyzed for evidence of tampering or connections to other cases.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the investigation, including field operations, forensic analysis, and witness interviews.  
- **Service Beverage Company**: Provided details on Schlitz beer distribution and shipments.  
- **Petitis Cigar Company**: Linked to supply of brown paper bags ("Homestead Stubby").  
- **Southern Minnow Shop**: Retail location associated with beer sales and paper bag purchases.  
- **Louisiana State Police, Sheriff’s Offices**: Involved in record checks and investigative support.  
- **U.S. Attorney’s Office (Birmingham, Memphis)**: Received case files for further legal review.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_160-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search