</s>ME 44-1987 REQUEST OF FBI LABORATORY Laboratory requested to process all material within this outer compartment for fingerprints and conduct any other appropriate laboratory examination to assist Memphis in ascertaining where the material came from. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The FBI conducted extensive investigations into potential connections between individuals and events related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) on April 4, 1968, focusing on physical evidence, suspect movements, and forensic analysis. Key items examined included a Browning Model 760 rifle (serial number 444915), Remington Gamemaker rifle, shell casings, a green herringbone blanket, and clothing recovered from Memphis, Tennessee. The FBI Laboratory was tasked with analyzing these items for fingerprints, soil composition, and manufacturer details. Roscoe Smith, a Birmingham, Alabama, sales representative, was under investigation due to anti-MLK remarks and alleged connections to the case. A car with an Alabama license plate (3-34652) and KKK emblem was reported near Mansfield, Ohio, driven by a white male described as suspicious. Richard Pearl of Detroit, linked to anti-MLK sentiments, was ruled out after verifying his whereabouts during the assassination. The case was designated "MURKIN" in FBI records. Additional evidence included clothing items (shorts, t-shirt) recovered from the scene for latent fingerprint and marking analysis.  

Schlitzen beer cans with tax stamps were analyzed to trace suspect origins, while individuals like James M. McRaeont, Hugh T. Ronegan Jr., Walter Peyson, and Alvin Eugene French were monitored for potential involvement. French, a man with a history of mental disturbances and financial crimes, was tracked due to alleged plans to meet "colored people" who would succeed MLK. The investigation also referenced efforts to identify individuals linked to hate groups like the Minutemen. A delivery truck with an out-of-state license plate was noted as part of suspect tracking.  

Eugene Smith Mansfield, discharged from Reliance Steel Company on March 12, 1968, was investigated for his whereabouts during the relevant period. Leelia Wilder reported a suspect resembling a target at La Dame Cleaners in Memphis, while Herbert Wilson Bowen observed two men near the Prelude Club in North Hollywood, California, associated with a white 1968 Mustang with Georgia license plates (possibly from Wade Motor Company). A suitcase found in premises believed occupied by the suspect contained laundry-marked clothing linked to Textile Marking Machine Co., Syracuse, NY.  

Key People  
- **Roscoe Smith**: Birmingham, Alabama, sales representative under investigation for anti-MLK remarks and connections to the case.  
- **Richard Pearl**: Detroit resident linked to anti-MLK rhetoric; ruled out after verifying his whereabouts during the assassination.  
- **Alvin Eugene French**: Monitored for potential involvement in MLK’s assassination due to history of mental disturbances, financial crimes, and alleged plans to meet "colored people."  
- **James M. McRaeont**: Involved in Aeromarine Supply Co. invoices linked to suspect tracking.  
- **Hugh T. Ronegan Jr.**: Recipient of Aeromarine Supply Co. invoices; part of suspect investigation.  
- **Walter Peyson**: Linked to suspect activities, including delivery truck use and rental house activity in Salt Lake City, Utah.  
- **Leelia Wilder**: Reported sighting of a suspect at La Dame Cleaners in Memphis.  
- **Herbert Wilson Bowen**: Observed two men near the Prelude Club in North Hollywood, California, associated with a Mustang with Georgia license plates.  
- **L. Finch**: Linked to cleaning ticket at 1316 19th Street, S.W., Memphis.  
- **Wade Motor Company**: Possibly associated with Georgia license plates linked to suspects.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of evidence recovery (rifle, blanket, clothing); location of Schlitzen beer can discovery and La Dame Cleaners sighting.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: FBI investigation hub; Roscoe Smith’s residence and workplace.  
- **Mansfield, Ohio**: Location where a suspicious car with KKK emblem was reported.  
- **Detroit, Michigan**: Richard Pearl’s residence and employment location.  
- **Salt Lake City, Utah**: Rental house activity linked to Walter Peyson.  
- **North Hollywood, California**: Prelude Club where two men associated with a Mustang were observed.  
- **Marietta, Georgia**: Possible location of Wade Motor Company tied to Georgia license plates.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: MLK’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee; FBI investigation initiated.  
- **April 8, 1968**: FBI requested forensic analysis of evidence (rifle, blanket, clothing) and investigated Roscoe Smith’s connections.  
- **April 7, 1968**: Report of a suspicious car with KKK emblem observed in Mansfield, Ohio; linked to potential suspect.  
- **April 4–5, 1968**: Verification of Richard Pearl’s whereabouts during the assassination, leading to his exclusion from suspicion.  
- **April 18, 1968**: Sighting of a suspect resembling a target at La Dame Cleaners in Memphis.  
- **Investigation of Schlitzen beer cans with tax stamps** to trace suspect origins (April 1968).  
- **Tracking of delivery trucks with out-of-state license plates** linked to suspects.  
- **Discovery of laundry-marked clothing** in a suitcase from premises believed occupied by the suspect.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Conducted forensic analysis and investigative efforts, including field offices in Birmingham, Memphis, New Orleans, and others.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Recovered evidence (rifle, blanket) and provided information on Roscoe Smith.  
- **Birmingham Police Department**: Collaborated with FBI on Roscoe Smith’s investigation.  
- **Aeromarine Supply Co.**: Involved in invoice tracking for suspect investigation.  
- **Liberty National Bank**: Linked to Alvin French’s financial history.  
- **Textile Marking Machine Co., Syracuse, NY**: Manufacturer of laundry marks found on clothing evidence.  
- **Reliance Steel Company**: Discharged Eugene Smith Mansfield on March 12, 1968.

MLK Declassified Files

44-bh-1740_729219_03-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

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