</s>0-9 (Rey) 5-22-6(1) FBI Date: 4-22 -68 Transmit the following in (Type in plaintext or code) Via Airtel (Priority) To: SAC'S, Atlanta (44-2386) Memphis (44 -1987) From: Director, FBI (44+8861) MURKIN Re Atlanta airtel 4-17-68, submitting two key blanks, Q240 and Q241, for metal strip, Q244, and a business card, Q245, for examination. No latent impressions of value were developed on these items. Result of laboratory examination and disposition of these items subjects of a separate communication. 11)D 1032 SEARCHED INDEXCO SEALLICEO FILED APR 23 1958 FBI-ATLANTA Sent Via M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of FBI laboratory reports and administrative records from April 1968 detailing forensic analysis of physical evidence linked to an investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Key items examined include soil samples from locations such as the Rebel Hotel parking lot, Memphis crime scenes, and Atlanta; clothing items like bed sheets, shirts, socks, and trousers with hairs; maps (e.g., "Arrow" map of Atlanta, Gulf Oil Company map, Los Angeles street maps); keys; and other materials. Forensic analysis focused on latent fingerprints, hair fibers, soil composition, handwriting comparisons, and material traces. Findings included differences in soil composition between samples, microscopic hair analysis suggesting multiple individuals, inconclusive fingerprint matches, and discrepancies in handwriting comparisons. Items were linked to case numbers (e.g., Q246, K165) and locations such as Atlanta, Memphis, Birmingham, Chicago, and San Francisco. Some specimens were retained for further examination or comparison.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray – Central suspect linked to latent fingerprints on a Remington model 760 rifle, telephone, scope sight, newspaper, after-shave lotion bottle, and Schlitz beer can.  
- John Edgar Hoover – FBI Director overseeing the investigation.  
- Eric S. Galt – Name associated with questioned writings and handwriting samples; Canadian money orders signed by him were analyzed for potential connections.  
- John Ray (aka Jack Ray) – Subject of handwriting analysis; discrepancies noted in signature comparisons against "Harvey Lowmyer."  
- Harvey Lowmyer – Signature compared against known handwriting of John Ray.  
- Danny Bates – Individual linked to a ticket envelope.  
- SA Jack B. Simpson – FBI agent involved in the investigation.  
- SA John Edward Ogden – Fingerprint match identified with an item.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee – Central to the assassination investigation and crime scene analysis.  
- Atlanta, Georgia – Mentioned as a location for evidence collection, forensic analysis, and FBI office operations (e.g., 14th Street addresses, Auburn Avenue).  
- Los Angeles, California – Reference to street maps and potential connections.  
- Birmingham, Alabama – Involved in fingerprint and handwriting comparisons.  
- Chicago, Illinois – Reference to specimen retention and analysis.  
- San Francisco, California – Source of laundry tape samples.  
- Rebel Hotel (Memphis) – Location for soil sample collection.  

Key Events  
- Forensic examination of soil samples from multiple sites to determine origin and connections.  
- Analysis of clothing items (bed sheets, shirts, socks, trousers with hairs) for fibers, hair, stains, and laundry marks.  
- Handwriting analysis comparing "Harvey Lowmyer" signatures against known handwriting of John Ray (Jack Ray).  
- Latent fingerprint comparisons linking items to James Earl Ray.  
- Investigation into the origin of hairs found in trousers versus other locations (e.g., "Mustang" and Memphis scene).  
- Examination of maps with markings (ink lines, circles) in specific areas.  
- Analysis of Canadian money orders signed by "Eric Galt" for potential investigative links.  
- Reference to a business card for "THANKY'S SHEET METAL" and a key blank potentially used for lever tumbler locks.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Conducted fingerprint, handwriting, and forensic analyses; field offices in Atlanta, Memphis, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.  
- FBI Laboratory (Washington, D.C.) – Provided technical expertise in latent print and document examination.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_166-05-part_2_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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