</s>This directive soon became national in scope with SAC's in all FBI Field Offices being ordered by teletype on April 7, 1968, to participate and conduct a top priority investigation under their personal supervision. This meant all leads were to be afforded immediate, thorough and imaginative attention and all possibilities from such leads exhausted. Also, 24 hours set as the period after receipt of a lead within which the investigation and reporting must be completed. All SAC's were to bear personal responsibility for any failure to handle the investigation (HR 44-38861-153). c. Progress of the Investigation. The breadth of this top priority investigation is repeatedly evided in the Martin files. All informative sources - racial, security and criminal - were immediately alerted and contacted for information. The KKK and other hate groups as well as individuals known to have violent proclivities were checked. The files were checked for prior threats against Martin Luther King, Jr. (HR. 44-38861-2649). Name checks were continuously being made on Selective Service records, city and telephone directories, drivers license bureau, motor vehicle divisions, financial institutions, credit records, criminal and civil records, marriage licenses, public utility rolls, unions, common carrier passenger lists and more (e.g. HQ 44-8861-233). (1) Bessie Brewer's Rooming House. Key information was developed early at Bessies Brewer's Rooming House when -48- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: The FBI conducted an extensive investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., concluding that James Earl Ray acted alone. Key evidence included physical items like a Remington rifle, binoculars, and maps found in Ray’s possession, as well as fingerprint matches to latent prints from the murder weapon. Witnesses at Bessie Brewer’s Rooming House and Campe Assessment Company described a suspect matching Ray’s description. The FBI traced Ray’s movements post-escape from Missouri State Prison (April 23, 1967), including his travels to Canada where he obtained a false passport. Despite conspiracy theories, the Bureau found no credible evidence of co-conspirators. Ray was apprehended in London, UK, on June 8, 1968. The text also analyzes Ray’s potential motives, citing his criminal background, ideological alignment with radical groups like the Black Panther Party, financial desperation, and possible manipulation by an unnamed figure named "Raoul." Psychological evaluations described Ray as sociopathic with antisocial tendencies, while inmates at Missouri State Penitentiary reported his racist remarks and threats against Black individuals.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Identified as Eric Starvo Galt, the sole perpetrator of MLK’s assassination.  
- **Eric Starvo Galt**: Alias used by Ray during travels; linked to physical evidence and witness accounts.  
- **Bess, Brewer**: Witness at Lorraine Motel who described a suspect in the rooming house.  
- **Ramon George Sneyd**: Name on a Canadian passport confirmed to belong to Ray.  
- **William Bradford Hule**: Author of a book detailing Ray’s escape and activities.  
- **Inmates at Missouri State Penitentiary**: Reported Ray’s racist remarks, threats against Black prisoners, and admiration for JFK’s assassination.  

Key Locations:  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Ray’s initial escape route from prison.  
- **Chicago, Illinois**: Where Ray resided under the alias John L. Rayns.  
- **Montreal, Canada**: Site of Ray’s stay and passport acquisition.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Linked to Ray’s purchase of the rifle and exchange with “Harvey Lawyer.”  
- **Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee**: Location of MLK’s assassination.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Mexico**: Where Ray exhibited racist behavior toward Black individuals.  

Key Events:  
1. **April 4, 1968**: Dr. King assassinated at the Lorraine Motel; FBI launched investigation.  
2. **Bessie Brewer’s Rooming House**: Witnesses identified a suspect matching Ray’s description.  
3. **Campe Assessment Company**: Bundle containing murder weapon and evidence recovered.  
4. **Fingerprint Comparison**: Latent prints from rifle, binoculars, and maps matched Ray’s fingerprints.  
5. **Passport Search**: Canadian authorities found passport under Ramon George Sneyd, confirmed to belong to Ray.  
6. **Ray’s Escape Chronology**: Detailed movements post-1967 escape, including jobs, residences, and interactions in Canada.  
7. **Prison Inmate Testimonies**: Claims of Ray’s racial animus toward Black prisoners and threats against MLK.  
8. **Puerto Vallarta Incidents**: Ray’s racist behavior, including carrying a weapon and threatening Black individuals.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted the investigation into MLK’s assassination.  
- **Black Panther Party**: Allegedly influenced Ray’s ideological alignment.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Site of Ray’s incarceration and inmate testimonies about his behavior.

MLK Declassified Files

44-dl-2649-1a_sec_001_ser_1a1-part_5_of_8.pdf

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