</s>U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation In Reply, Please Refer to Birmingham, Alabama 35203 File No. July 23, 1982 JAMES BARL RAY, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING-VICTIM CIVIL RIGHTS-CONSPIRACY Office, Fairfax, Alabama, advised Paul Bernard Marler Captain E. Robinson, Jefferson County Sheriff's had telephoneically contacted the Sheriff's Office in Bessemer, Alabama and stated James Earl Ray did not kill Martin in the state of Alabama, he was the only one who was convicted of this tape available was taped and will will make of investigation. to the Federal Bureau of investigation." This document contains neither redecondations nor conclusions of 4-Bureau the FBI. It is the property of 2-Atlanta the FBI, and the state's security of it and its contents are not to be 2-Memphis distributed outside your agency. 2-MPD (U-Birmingham 44-1740-2664 PJ3-acm SEARCHED-INDEXED- (13) ACM HERIALIZED-PA-FILED 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains transcripts of telephone conversations involving Paul Bernard Marler, who claims James Earl Ray did not assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marler asserts that LEO Denham fired the shot and that he brought a gun used in the assassination, which was sold by a "Woods boy" in Homewood, Alabama. Marler also states there were multiple guns purchased on the day of the assassination, with details about the weapon's origin and sale. The conversation includes references to FBI file numbers (e.g., BH 44-1740), declassification under Executive Order 14176, and mentions of law enforcement interactions in Birmingham, Alabama. Marler claims he contacted the "Washington Post," Tennessee warden Davis, and local police departments but was denied access to formal investigations due to his alleged intoxication or mental instability.  

Key People  
- Paul Bernard Marler: Claims involvement in MLK's assassination, asserts LEO Denham fired the shot, and describes purchasing a gun sold by a "Woods boy."  
- James Earl Ray: Accused of killing MLK but denied by Marler.  
- LEO Denham: Identified as the shooter according to Marler.  
- Warden Davis: Mentioned in context of Tennessee prison contacts.  

Key Locations  
- Birmingham, Alabama: Central location for FBI and sheriff's office references.  
- Homewood, Alabama: Linked to the sale of the gun used in the assassination.  
- Anniston, Alabama: Site of Marler’s 1970 arrest involving a fight at VFW Hall.  

Key Events  
- Telephone conversation (July 11, 1982): Marler discusses his claims about MLK's assassination, the involvement of LEO Denham, and the gun's origin.  
- 1970 arrest in Anniston: Marler and his brother were involved in a fight at VFW Hall, leading to police intervention and alleged mistreatment by officers.  
- FBI file management: References to case numbers (e.g., BH 44-1740) and declassification under E.O. 14176.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Involved in file management, investigations, and declassification processes.  
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: Participated in the telephone conversation with Marler.  
- Alabama law enforcement agencies: Including Aniston Police Department and Memphis/Atlanta/Bessemer jurisdictions.

MLK Declassified Files

44-bh-1740_729219_10-01-part_4_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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