</s>DIRECTOR, FBI ATTN: FEI LABORATORY SAC, ATLANTA (44-2386) MURKIN Items recovered from examination 4/11/68, of a 1966 Ford Transmitted under separate cover are the following Iustamans, GN 707C190947, bearing 1968 Alabama license in 1-38893, SN/07C10947, Bearing 1968 Alabama License in Atlanta, GA, JACK S. JACK B. SHIPSON, CARL E. CLAIBORNE, RICHARD H. DAVIS, JACK J. BEVERSTEIN, and ALDEN F. MILLER. submitted to the laboratory. The following items of evidence are being Floor mat from front floor Floor matt front left front side Floor mat from left front door Floor mats from right front side Air filter cartridge Wheel jack from front trunk Dark short sleeve slevetshirt 9) One white fitted sheet One black short sleeve shirt jacket 10) One white fitted sheet 11) One black and white shirt jacket 13) One fitted sheet with yellow thread 13) One black sport shirt One black spot shirt 13) One black trunk 34 walking shorts 14) One black trunk 34 16) Pillow from trunk of car 19) Styrofoam container from trunk off trunk of car 19) One stryfoam carrier from socks from trunk or car One hunting knife and shoath 20) Spare tire mounting from trunk trunk 2 - Bureau 2 - Package Atlanta CEC:3/h (5) Y. Lane of mule 4-12-68 ww 46-2336.14/4 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail forensic evidence collected from a 1966 Ford Mustang (VIN C70C190947) linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., including floor mats, clothing items (e.g., dark blue short-sleeved shirt, black and white rubber sandal), tools (hunting knife, screwdriver), and soil samples from Atlanta, Memphis, and other locations. The FBI Laboratory analyzed these items for latent fingerprints, chemical composition, and soil comparisons, noting differences in soil composition between the car, a bedspread associated with the assassination, and specific geographic areas. Evidence also included vacuum sweepings, a Styrofoam container, personal belongings (e.g., bedspread, pillowcase), and clothing labels. A 1966 Mustang recovered in Atlanta was transferred to Memphis authorities for further investigation. Forensic analysis of maps, clothing, and other items linked to James Earl Ray, the suspect, revealed markings potentially indicating locations of interest. Coordination between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and legal offices involved witness testimony, evidence retention, and trial preparation. Legal proceedings included contempt charges against individuals, including attorneys and reporters, related to the case. A 1961 "Look" Magazine photograph of a Klux Klan member was referenced, with the subject identified as having left the KKK by early 1961 and residing in Marietta, Georgia.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK Jr.'s assassination; his car (1966 Mustang) was analyzed and transferred to Memphis authorities.  
- **FBI Agents**: Including Jack B. Simpson, Alben P. Hiller, Carl Claborn, and others involved in evidence collection and analysis.  
- **Jimmie D. Garner**: Atlanta resident linked to Ray’s activities; provided information on evidence storage.  
- **Phil M. Canale, Jr.**: Shelby County District Attorney General; coordinated with FBI on witness and evidence management.  
- **Arthur J. Hanes, Sr.**: Attorney for James Earl Ray; involved in contempt of court proceedings.  
- **Charles S. Harding**: State attorney general’s office investigator conducting interviews.  
- **James Brasley**: Assistant to county attorney general; interviewed as a potential witness.  
- **Michael Swyers**: Artist who provided a 1961 "Look" Magazine photograph of a Klux Klan member.  

Key Locations  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Site of evidence storage, including the suspect’s car and FBI laboratory analyses.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central to the investigation; FBI Memphis office conducted soil sample analysis and coordinated with local authorities.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Mentioned in map-related evidence and FBI correspondence.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Involved in witness coordination and evidence handling.  
- **Marietta, Georgia**: Residence of Klux Klan member referenced in the 1961 "Look" Magazine photograph.  

Key Events  
- **April 1–12, 1968**: Recovery of evidence from a 1966 Ford Mustang linked to MLK Jr.’s assassination; items submitted for FBI Laboratory analysis.  
- **April 16–23, 1968**: FBI laboratories analyzed maps, clothing, and other items linked to James Earl Ray; results confirmed earlier findings.  
- **September 13–30, 1968**: Coordination between FBI and attorneys general on trial preparations, witness testimony, and evidence retention.  
- **Transfer of Evidence**: The suspect’s car was turned over to Memphis authorities for further investigation.  
- **Contempt of Court Proceedings**: Judge W. Preston Battle found several individuals, including attorneys and reporters, guilty of contempt related to the case.  
- **Witness Interviews**: Conducted by Tennessee attorney general’s office in 1968; some witnesses cited health issues or childcare challenges as barriers to participation.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted forensic analysis, evidence collection, and coordination with local agencies.  
- **Tennessee Attorney General’s Office**: Involved in legal proceedings, witness interviews, and trial preparation.  
- **Memphis District Attorney’s Office**: Coordinated with FBI on evidence management and prosecution.  
- **Klux Klan (KKK)**: Mentioned in context of a 1961 "Look" Magazine photograph; the subject was identified as having left the organization by early 1961.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_163-04-part_3_of_4.pdf

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