</s>4 SL: 44-775 Both automobiles were then driven to the intersection of Indiana and Potomac Streets in St. Louis. The stolen car, of the previously mentioned Ford, was then driven by the scene of the crime, and the store was entered by both men. RAY proceeded to a small office located in the front of the store, where he pointed the automatic pistol he was carrying the man in the office from the command him to open the safe. OWENS and the office commencing him to the as a look-out, according to OWENS, left his revolver in his coat pocket. OWNS stated after RAY failed to get the man his car was stolen from the police station. The man at a woman cashier, ordered her to step aside, and then reached into the open cash drawer, removing an unknown sum of currency. Both men cash cash and the stole to be deported in the stolen Ford automobiles. A switch from the owner's 1958 Plymouth. to RAY's home in OWENS' 1958 Plymouth, A SWITCH arrives thereafter made and both men then drove home where upon arrival, they proceed to the bathroom of RAY'S home where returned RAYS revolver and RAY gave OWENS $60.00 in six $10.00 bills, which constituted OWENS's share of the money six in the robbery, OWENS then left Ray's residence and proceeded to his automobile where he was placed under arrest. RAY. When interviewed, refused to make any statement, but OWENS was interviewed, positively identified him as the man who had accompanied him to tho Kroger Store and assisted him in the commission of the hold-up. Both individuals were thereafter charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and operating an automobile without the owner's consent. An additional charge of resisting arrest was placed against RAY. The St. St. Louisville Police Department, Bureau of Records, had no information on JAMES EARL RAY, but the report reflects -112- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details a robbery committed by James Earl Ray and another individual, Owens, at a Kroger store in St. Louis. The two men used stolen vehicles, including a Ford and a 1958 Plymouth, to commit the crime. Ray pointed a gun at a store employee, ordered them to open the safe, and stole cash. After splitting the proceeds, they returned Ray’s revolver and divided the money, with Owens receiving $60. Both were arrested, charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, operating an unregistered vehicle, and resisting arrest. Ray had prior arrests in 1951 (robbery conviction) and 1955 (forged documents charge).  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (arrested for robbery, prior criminal record)  
- Owens (co-conspirator in the robbery)  
- Mr. Hatton (landlord at 2023 Park Avenue, St. Louis)  
- Mr. Cowley (tenant at 2023 Park Avenue, reported Ray’s presence in 1959)  
- Gloria Dixon (wife of H. Dixon, provided details about Ray’s alleged stay in Mexico)  
- H. Dixon (reported Ray’s possible stay at the Rio Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)  

Key Locations:  
- Kroger Store (site of robbery)  
- St. Louis, Missouri (residence and investigation locations)  
- 2023 Park Avenue, St. Louis (Ray’s alleged residence in 1959)  
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Rio Hotel, Ray’s alleged stay in October 1967)  

Key Events:  
- Robbery at a Kroger store in St. Louis involving stolen vehicles and gunfire  
- Arrests of James Earl Ray and Owens for robbery and vehicle violations  
- Investigation into Ray’s residence at 2023 Park Avenue, including tenant records  
- Inquiry into Ray’s alleged trip to Mexico (October 1967) and hotel stay  
- Examination of laundry codes and TWA flight records for potential connections  

Key Organizations:  
- St. Louis Police Department (Bureau of Records)  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, referenced in wanted flyers)  
- Trans World Airlines (TWA) (flight records checked for Ray’s movements)  
- Suits Laundry (investigated for laundry codes)

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_161-01-part_4_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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