</s>1 SL 44-775 PWB/1eh RE: BROTHER JOHN LARRY RAY The following investigation was conducted by SA: ROBERT A. HESS and PATRICK W. BRADLEY on June 5, 1968: Miss MARIE WHITE, Assistant Manager, Kingsway Apartments, 902 North Kingshighway, advised that their records reflect one that JOHN WAY was employed by them on May 22, 1967, as a painter and maintenance man at the rate of $16 per day. in a painter's office, the man was reflected as 1822 North 21st Stress and his date of birth as reflected as and social security number as The payroll records reflect that he received two checks; one on May 26, 1968, number 3208 in the amount of $80 and one on June 26, 1967. number 32020, in the account of $64, and one off on June 2, 1967; number 3202, in book indicates that he failed to show up for any further work. Prior employment with no date shown is reflected as Indian Lake Country Club, Middale, Illinois (partially 11- legible). Referencreflected as CLARENCE HAYNES, mover, employed Apex Moving. 180 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail an FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s activities, focusing on his movements, aliases, and potential connections to criminal organizations. Key figures include Jerry Ray (Ray’s brother), John Larry Ray (linked to employment records and travel), and individuals such as MILFORD JAMES ROHERS, alleged Klan member. The investigation includes recovery of a 1968 Dodge Dart in St. Louis tied to stolen credit cards, hotel guest descriptions matching Ray, and inquiries into Klan affiliations. Employment records for John Way at Kingsway Apartments and Indian Trail Restaurant are referenced, with payroll details noted. A latent fingerprint on a payroll check (Q404) was later matched to James Earl Ray (FBI #405942G). The FBI also investigated National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (NKKK) activities, including its formation in 1960 and Missouri chapter operations.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray** – Suspected assassin of MLK; employed under alias John L. Rayns at Indian Trail Restaurant; linked to a latent fingerprint on a payroll check.  
- **Jerry Ray** – Brother of James Earl Ray; interviewed regarding his brother’s activities.  
- **John Larry Ray** – Individual under investigation, linked to employment records and travel.  
- **MILFORD JAMES ROHERS** – Alleged Klan member in Sullivan, Missouri.  
- **James R. Venable** – Chairman of National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc., based in Tucker, Georgia.  
- **Gloria Donnelly** – Building manager at 2731 North Sheffield Avenue; provided details about John Larry Ray’s residency.  
- **Frank Bromelhorst** – Hotel auditor who reported on a man resembling a wanted flyer from 1959.  
- **Robert A. Hess, Patrick W. Bradley, Spurgeon J. Peterson** – FBI agents involved in the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** – Primary location for interviews, vehicle recovery, and hotel observations (Holiday Inn North).  
- **Chicago, Illinois** – Linked to Jerry Ray’s movements and employment at Indian Trail Restaurant; 2731 North Sheffield Avenue.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** – Mentioned as a destination for Jerry Ray post-trial.  
- **Winnetka, Illinois** – Site of Indian Trail Restaurant where James Earl Ray was employed under alias John L. Rayns.  
- **Tucker, Georgia** – Headquarters of National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc.  
- **Lincoln Apartment Hotel (1640 West Lunt)** – Reference to registration records and interactions with Lola Ballard.  

Key Events  
- **Recovery of a 1968 Dodge Dart** in St. Louis Airport, linked to stolen credit cards and National Car Rental.  
- **Hotel guest registrations** at Holiday Inn North, including Room 213 occupancy by an individual resembling James Earl Ray.  
- **Employment records** for John Way (Kingsway Apartments) and John L. Rayns (Indian Trail Restaurant) with payroll details.  
- **Interviews with residents** of 2731 North Sheffield Avenue confirming Ray’s transient nature and lack of associates.  
- **Latent fingerprint match** on a payroll check (Q404) to James Earl Ray, noted in a separate lab report.  
- **Formation of National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (NKKK)** in 1960 through consolidation efforts in Atlanta, Georgia.  
- **Investigation into potential Klan affiliations** of MILFORD JAMES ROHERS and other individuals.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Conducted interviews, forensic analysis, and investigations into Ray’s activities and potential ties to criminal organizations.  
- **National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (NKKK)** – Formed in 1960 as a consolidated Klan organization; operated under chapters including Klavern #14 in St. Louis, Missouri.  
- **Ku Klux Klan (KKK)** – Alleged affiliation of MILFORD JAMES ROHERS.  
- **National Car Rental** – Linked to the recovered vehicle and stolen credit cards.

MLK Declassified Files

44-cg-1114_738662_06-04-part_4_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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