</s>METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT-CITY OF ST. LOUIS DRS: CONTINUATION REPORT THE NO.1 FOR RECORDS SECTION PAGE NO. 6 63-261 COMPLIANT NO. James Edward VanHorn was then booked per A.R.R./3-8.40 & 8.0A charged KXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXIXXX B. Stealing 0/850.00 D. Common Assault D. Discharging Firearms B. Destruction of Property 84/04 A. Dischargering Firearms B. Public Disturbance of the Peace B. Resisting Arrest Jimmy Doil VanHORN was then booked per A .R. #3-84/1 & 8/1A charged XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXIXXIXXXXXXIX B. Stealing 0/950.00 D. Destruction Of Property D. Public Disurbance Of the Peace B. Dis Charging Firearms in the City 84/14 A. Common Assault Eugene B. Vaughn was booked per a.R .- 3-8/2 & 84/2A B.Stealing 0/$80.00 D. Destructuring of Property D. De. Disturbancy of the Place 84/4 A. Disturbing Firearms in City B. Common Asault The above recovered revolver, cartridges, and spent pellet were all properly marked and packaged to be delivered to the Police Laboratory in the A.M .- of 2-21-68 by Patn. Pratt. It should be noted that prior to the statements given by the three arrested subjects and victims all will were confronted with each other and victicted Haynes, and Wright along with Regazzi positively identified and the arrested suspects, and wrong along with the subjects who committed the above defense. Department Photographer Sid Braff, 601, came to the scene where photographs were taken of the interior of the above tavern. Records check per records clerk Dickerson, 6352, revelled No Wanted on all three subjects. No record on James E VanHorns, prior records on Jimmy D. VanHorm and Eugene Vaughn. Criminal Information Sheets and Alibi Sheets have been properly 271 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray (JAMES EARL RAY) and his brother John Larry Ray (JERRY RAY), focusing on their movements and interactions in St. Louis, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois, around the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968. FBI agents conducted interviews with JERRY RAY in late April and early May 1968, tracking his visits to the Grape Vine Tavern (1982 Arsenal Street) and interactions with family members, including sister Carol Pepper. Records include hotel registration checks for JAMES EARL RAY’s movements, credit and license reviews linking John Ray to property ownership and employment, and financial transactions tied to a chattel mortgage for an Ideal Draft Beer Cooler. The FBI monitored these details as part of broader investigations into potential criminal activities related to liquor licenses, property management, and James Earl Ray’s post-escape whereabouts.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected in MLK’s assassination; last known incarcerated at Missouri State Penitentiary until escaping in 1967. His movements and communications with family were under investigation.  
- **John Larry Ray (JERRY RAY)**: Brother of James Earl Ray; interviewed by FBI in St. Louis, Missouri, in late April and early May 1968. Claimed no knowledge of his brother’s activities post-escape.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Sister of James Earl Ray; owned the Grape Vine Tavern in St. Louis, where JERRY RAY frequented. Resided at 2025 Bellevue, Missouri.  
- **Sharon M. Stockmann**: Leaseholder of the Grapevine Tavern (1982 Arsenal Street).  
- **Special Agents**: Harold R. Dobson, Patrick W. Bradley, Earl E. Brown (FBI agents involved in investigations).  
- **Robert Fodde**: State Liquor Control Office official.  
- **Herman Schaffer**: Joseph Schulz Brewing Company representative.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Site of FBI interviews with JERRY RAY, including the Grape Vine Tavern (1982 Arsenal Street) and his residence at 1902A Cherokee Street.  
- **Chicago, Illinois**: Where JERRY RAY worked as a bartender and planned to return after staying in St. Louis.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: James Earl Ray’s incarceration site prior to his escape in 1967.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Location of the State Liquor Control Office.  

Key Events  
- **April 29–May 10, 1968**: FBI conducted interviews and surveillance on JERRY RAY, tracking his movements and interactions with family members.  
- **April 30, 1968**: JERRY RAY observed in a white over light green Desoto automobile near the Grape Vine Tavern, later seen traveling north toward Chicago.  
- **May 7–8, 1968**: JERRY RAY contacted FBI agents, stating he would return to Chicago if his employment location remained free of reporters.  
- **Ongoing investigations**: Review of liquor license applications, financial transactions (chattel mortgage), and property management records for the Grapevine Tavern.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, surveillance, and investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities and family connections.  
- **St. Louis Police Department**: Provided information on JAMES EARL RAY’s movements and interactions with law enforcement.  
- **State Liquor Control Office, Missouri**: Monitored liquor license compliance for the Grapevine Tavern.  
- **General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC)**: Involved in financial transactions related to the chattel mortgage for an Ideal Draft Beer Cooler.  
- **Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Alcohol, Tobacco and Tax Unit**: Reviewed tax returns and licensing compliance for the tavern.  
- **Miller-Scheer Realty and Insurance Company**: Managed property records for the Grapevine Tavern.

MLK Declassified Files

44-cg-1114_738662_05-02-part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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