</s>3.265 (REV. 4:13-60) H. 3. Department of Justire MURKIN.N. MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED MURKEN.W MURKTIN.W 5. PUBLIC. SPIRIT. FEDERAL BUREAU FEDERAL BUREAU. DO NOT DESTROY PURSUITANT 5.VERILE. RULE. SIZE 130. of ENJURP FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION INVESTIGATION Sedalia. Volume Number Bureau File Number 14-38861 Sedila. ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MACLASSIFIED DO NOT DESTRY. See also Nos. PRESERVE FOR SELECT COMMITE ON ASSASSINATIONS B.B. 1876.1876.3 See also No. PRESERVIVE FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASINATIONS B.Cuny 7.27.68 #3 10-25260 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: This document contains investigative records from the FBI’s 1968 efforts to track suspects linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It includes background checks, interviews, and location searches focusing on James Earl Ray, his family members (Jerry Ray, John Ray), and associates like Jack Gawron. The file references military records, employment histories, property investigations, and neighborhood inquiries in Missouri and other states. It also notes declassified releases under Executive Orders 14176 and 14178, indicating public access for research. While no direct evidence of James Earl Ray’s involvement in MLK’s assassination is provided, the document details his fugitive status, alleged criminal activities, and connections to potential accomplices.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., linked to the "Browning Rifle" and fugitive status.  
- **Jerry Ray (JERRY RAYNES)**: Brother of James Earl Ray, reported in St. Louis, Missouri, with ties to the Grapevine Tavern and alleged criminal connections.  
- **John Ray**: Brother of Jerry Ray, involved in business operations (e.g., Grape Vine Tavern) and under scrutiny for potential ties to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Jack Gawron**: Informant interviewed by FBI agents, provided details about Jerry Ray’s movements and interactions with family members.  
- **Other Suspects Mentioned**: Eric Stalvo, Karl Galt, Jerome Wallis Vernon, James David Daily (alleged harboring of fugitives), Walter Nolan (ex-convict).  

Key Locations:  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Central hub for investigations, including the Grapevine Tavern and Union Station.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Jerry Ray’s wife and child reportedly reside on a farm near Nashville; John Ray was said to have visited this area.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Mentioned in context of motel checks and potential connections to the assassination investigation.  
- **Ewing, Missouri; Hannibal, Missouri; Portageville, Missouri; Wardell, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri**: Locations associated with property investigations, military records, or employment checks.  

Key Events:  
1. **FBI Surveillance and Interviews**: Jack Gawron provided updates on Jerry Ray’s whereabouts and interactions with family members. Agents sought information about James Earl Ray’s movements, including his alleged escape from custody and potential harboring by associates like James David Daily.  
2. **Look-Alikes and Family Coverage**: FBI tracked individuals resembling MLK’s assassin (James Earl Ray) and monitored his family members (Jerry Ray, John Ray).  
3. **Military and Employment Records**: Checked records for James Earl Ray’s U.S. Air Force service (1943–1945) and employment history. Investigated ties to criminal networks via prison associations (e.g., Walter Nolan).  
4. **Unproductive Leads**: Some checks (e.g., Memphis Motel, Harvey Lowyer) yielded no results.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted surveillance, interviews, and location searches as part of the investigation.  
- **U.S. Postal Service, Veterans Administration, Commercial Bakeries, Bakers Union**: Mentioned in context of employment or property investigations.  
- **Police Department (various jurisdictions)**: Involved in background checks and neighborhood inquiries.  
- **U.S. Probation Office**: Referenced in military and criminal record reviews.  

Administrative Notes:  
- **FBI File # SL 44-775**: Contains details on James Earl Ray’s fugitive status, wanted flyer, and connections to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Declassified Releases**: Documents were made public under Executive Orders 14176 and 14178 for research purposes.  
- **Arrest Warrants**: Mentioned for individuals like Walter Nolan (ex-convict) and James David Daily (alleged harboring).  

Unresolved Issues:  
- No confirmed evidence of James Earl Ray’s involvement in MLK’s assassination was provided in these documents.  
- Some details (e.g., Jerry Ray’s exact location, ties to criminal activities) remain unclear or unverified.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_161-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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