</s>CG 44-1114 RJD/1aj 3 HAROLD E. RAINVILLE, Administrative Assistant to Senator E. EVERETT DIRKSEN, 219 South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois, advised as follows: RALPH KUNSTADTER, Pediatrician, home 900 North Michigan, office 664 North Michigan, office telephone DE 7-4545, Chicago. Illinois, sometime in the past had advised that he at one time employee a man as a chauffeur man had been required to carry large sums of money in his man for KING and this man was scared that someone would a bag for KING to carry him to have been advised by Doctor KUNSTARTER to contact KUNSTERVILLE, which has been advised in failed to contact RAINVILLLE. Doctor RALPH KNUNSTADEK, 664 NORTH Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, advised that for several years his family had employed an elderly colored male, KELLY WILLIAM, who was also this man had been released from his service by KUNSTDADTER because of his physical condition which Doctor KUNSDADTER recalled as being syphilis from his brain. Doctor KUnSTADTTER was over 65 and on Social Security. was over 63 and on social Security. Doctor KUnSDADTAR stated that he later heard this man went to work for KING but he had no recollection of hearing anything to effect that this manwas required to carry over $200,000 in cash in a black bag at all times for KING. KUNSTADAER stated that approximately one year or so ago he had had contacted his family and allegedly had some knowledge of threats which had been made against Senator DIRKEN. Doctor KDUNSTERAccordingly attempted to have WILLIAMS contact Senator DIRKENS' office concerning this matter. the Chicago is to be noted in September, 1966, the Office conducted extensive investigation con- cernaining a similar story concerning a person who allegedly worked for Doctor KING as a Chauffeur and who formerly worked for the Doctor KING of this individual as well as KUNSADTER. developed the identity of this Individual as KELLIAMS, full details of which were furnished to the Bureau. No further investment mental and conducted that time due to the readily apparent mental problem on his LIAMIS, coupled with the serious doubts which were cast on his forcibly. - 142 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details an FBI investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on surveillance, witness accounts, and forensic checks conducted between April 19–26, 1968. Key suspects include James Earl Ray, identified as the primary suspect, and Kelly William, a former chauffeur with access to MLK’s movements. Russell Miller was investigated as a potential look-alike for Ray, while Robert C. Taylor et al. in Oak Lawn, Illinois, were scrutinized after a postcard referencing Ray was sent to the FBI. Troy Earls, linked to Nebraska gun laws, was reported driving a camper with a blonde female companion, possibly Ray’s accomplice. The 1967 Catalina convertible (license plates BW 2739/Tennessee) was tracked across Tennessee and Illinois. Witness interviews included Benice Thomas, who reported a car resembling Ray’s on April 19, 1968, and John H. Carnahan, identified as a look-alike but ruled out. Background checks on James Boddker (suspected for physical resemblance to Ray) and Bodkin (a parolee with criminal history) found no direct ties to the assassination. The investigation also examined credit card transactions, license plate sightings, and vehicle movements, including a Ford pickup with camper reported in Wisconsin. No definitive conclusions about Ray’s guilt or innocence were stated in these records.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of MLK; described as a white male in his early 40s with no distinctive scars or tattoos.  
- **Kelly William**: Former chauffeur for MLK, under investigation for potential involvement.  
- **Russell Miller**: Suspected look-alike for Ray; interviewed by FBI but no direct link confirmed.  
- **Robert C. Taylor et al.**: Residents of Oak Lawn, Illinois, investigated after a postcard referencing Ray was sent to the FBI.  
- **Troy Earls**: Linked to Nebraska gun laws; reported driving a camper with a blonde female companion.  
- **Benice Thomas**: Witness who reported a car resembling Ray’s on April 19, 1968.  
- **John H. Carnahan**: Identified as a look-alike for Ray but ruled out as the suspect.  
- **James Boddker**: Suspected due to physical resemblance to Ray; confirmed not to be the killer after handwriting and background checks.  
- **Bodkin (parolee)**: Served time for manslaughter and burglary; denied involvement in MLK’s assassination.  

Key Locations:  
- **Tennessee** (license plates BW 2739, tracking of Ray’s 1967 Catalina convertible).  
- **Illinois** (Oak Lawn, where Robert C. Taylor et al. resided; Rockford Police records on Troy Earls).  
- **Wisconsin**: Reported sighting of a Ford pickup with camper matching Ray’s vehicle description.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Lorraine Motel (site of MLK’s assassination) and surrounding areas.  

Key Events:  
- **April 19–22, 1968**: FBI conducted credit card transactions review, license plate surveillance, and witness interviews in Georgia, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  
- **April 20–26, 1968**: Investigations into Oak Lawn residents and Troy Earls’ movements.  
- **May 1, 1968**: Follow-up on Boddker’s rental car and parole records.  
- **Postcard Evidence**: A typewritten postcard sent to the FBI referenced Ray’s alleged actions but lacked a sender identification.  
- **Vehicle Tracking**: The 1967 Catalina convertible (BW 2739) was monitored for sightings in Tennessee and Illinois.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted surveillance, witness interviews, and forensic checks.  
- **Pure Oil Company**: Provided credit card transaction records for April 16, 1968.  
- **Rockford Police Department**: Investigated Troy Earls’ criminal history.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Involved in initial response to MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

44-cg-1114_738662_04-02-part_4_of_8.pdf

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