</s>OFFICIAL FORM NO. 10 MAY BREEDLION UNITED STATES GOVERK-MENT UNITED STATISTICS (C.P.I.) (CHP) 1414 Memorandum Memorandum TO : SAC, BALTIMORE (44-669) DATE: April 24/68 FROM : SA PAUL THOMAS BAKER SUBJECT: MURKIN Re telephone call from the Bureau by HUNTER HEGELSON, Division VI, on the above state. Re telephone called that he was calling on behalf of the Civil Rights HEGELSSON stated that he has called the bureau by behalf of of the civil Rights against which is currently conducting a file review on all threats ever made desk which is currently conducting a filing review on that review was a refer- ence Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, J.E. Contained in that review Was a refer - an arrest interview of one CARLOS LEE BILLINGS by the Baltimore PD. Set forth in the interview is an allegation made by Billings of an offer by unknown to kill KING for $50,000.000.BILLINGS has mental discharge from the U.S. Marine. HEGELSON stated stated that the Bureau wants the above Airtel located, all pertinent background developed by BILLING'S and an interview of him conducted as soon as possible with results to the Bureau, Memphis and other interested parties. IfBILLINGS have been interviewed in the past, he must interested articles. If billINGS has been interviewed by the full detail, he may about that statement by him. Investigation must be started on 4/25/09, and given immediate attention plus expeditious handling. Supp. GARRISON notified of the above by telephone on l/2//69/68. 44-669-94 SEARCHED IN SEALIZED APR 2 5 1968 Buy U. S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray’s fugitive status, alleged connections to the crime, and related threats. Key actions include tracking Ray under aliases (Eric Starvo Galt, Harvey Lawyer, John Willard), reviewing stolen vehicles from Georgia linked to his movements, and analyzing telephone records for potential ties to his activities. The FBI also investigated Carlos Lee Billings’ alleged $50,000 offer to kill King, requesting background checks and interviews. Fingerprint comparisons confirmed Ray’s identity as Eric Starvo Galt, while laboratory analysis of tape samples from the crime scene ruled them out as evidence. Urgent directives were issued to coordinate with border agencies, monitor transportation records, and share information across field offices in Baltimore, Memphis, Kansas City, and Los Angeles. A sighting report described a man resembling Ray in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on April 24, 1968, with physical details (white male, 40–50 years old, blue eyes, short brown hair). Administrative notes mention U.S. Savings Bonds, declassification markings, and legal actions such as a federal warrant for Ray’s arrest issued on April 17, 1968.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Fugitive suspect linked to MLK’s assassination; aliases include Eric Starvo Galt, Harvey Lawyer, John Willard, and others.  
- **Carlos Lee Billings**: Alleged to have made a $50,000 offer to kill King; mental discharge from U.S. Marines.  
- **Carlos Lee Lee Martir**: Alleged to have offered $50,000 to kill MLK (possibly a variant of Billings’ name).  
- **Walter Terry Rife**: Interviewed regarding potential connections to Ray.  
- **David Delane Lewis ("Buster")**: Criminal history noted in FBI records.  
- **Dr. Richard Wier**: Reported sighting of a man resembling Ray in Virgin Islands.  
- **George Copes**: U.S. Postal Employee who reported David Sault’s attempt to mail a letter to Ray.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination on April 4, 1968.  
- **Baltimore, Maryland**: FBI office involved in tracking Ray and Billings.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Location of Ray’s 1967 Federal warrant for unlawful interstate flight.  
- **Salisbury, Maryland**: Source of tape samples analyzed by the FBI laboratory.  
- **St. Francis Hotel, Los Angeles**: Allocated as a potential residence for Ray.  
- **Wilmington, Delaware**: Laundries and dry cleaners involved in Thermo-Seal machine inquiries.  
- **St. Thomas, Virgin Islands**: Location of reported sighting resembling Ray on April 24, 1968.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis.  
- **April 15, 1968**: FBI laboratory analysis of tape samples from the crime scene, ruling them out as evidence.  
- **April 17, 1968**: Federal warrant issued for James Earl Ray’s arrest on conspiracy charges.  
- **April 24–29, 1968**: Urgent FBI directives to track Ray’s movements, check stolen vehicles, and coordinate with border agencies.  
- **April 24, 1968**: Sighting report of a man resembling Ray in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.  
- **April 24, 1968**: FBI request to investigate Carlos Lee Billings’ alleged threat against MLK.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into MLK’s assassination, Ray’s fugitive status, and related threats.  
- **U.S. Postal Service**: Involved in tracking David Sault’s attempt to mail a letter to Ray.  
- **Department of Justice**: Oversight for FBI operations and declassification processes.  
- **Thermo-Seal Machine Company** (Syracuse, New York): Manufacturer of marking machines used by laundries in Wilmington, Delaware.  
- **Y.Y. Life Insurance Co.** (Summit Building): Associated with John Phillip Galt’s employment history.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ba-669_729218_1-02-part_2_of_8.pdf

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