</s>ME 44-1987 By typewritten letter dated November 20, 11/20/67 1967, signed ERIC S. GALT, the Superior Bulk Film Company, Chicago, Illinois, was requested to forward GALT's refund to 1955 North Serrano, Los Angeles, California. Galt indicated in this letter that he would be at the Los Angeles address for 5 months. The FBI Laboratory concluded that the typewriter letter dated Novmber 20, 1967, was prepared by the writer of the signature in this name appearing on items submitted and attributed by ERIC 3. GALT. By letter dated NOVEMBER 30, 1967 mailed Bulk Films Company, Los Angeles, 1967. refund check #33238 in the amount of $142.89 had been remailed to GALT'S his $142,89 had remained to GALTS' Mexican not, as of March 1969, been received by the company. 11/27 - 12/14/67 On this date Dr. MARK O. FREEMAN, Clinical Psychologist, 227 South Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, California, received a he wanted to overcome his shyness, gain social confidence and to learn self- hypnosis to order his shynesses, hypnosis and to avoid him could relax. An appointment was made for him that same afternoon at the doctor's office, 9952 California. He gave his name as JAMES E. RAY and gave address to 1555 North Serrano, of telephone #469-0699. 1928. Ray and his date ments with with FREEMANN on November 27, November 30, December 4, December 6, Cancelled an appointment for November 18, 1967, stating he had received information from his brother that the brother had found job for Louisiana. 16 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail transactions and investigative findings related to Eric S. Galt’s activities between November 1967 and March 1968, including financial interactions such as purchasing money orders from Bank of America, enrolling in dance lessons at the National Dance Studio, and using mail forwarding services. The FBI Laboratory analyzed handwriting and signatures on documents attributed to Galt, concluding they were prepared by the same individual. References to laundry marks found in Memphis, Tennessee, and connections to a mail forwarding service are noted. While no direct link to Martin Luther King Jr. or his assassination is present, the text links Galt to James Earl Ray through handwriting analysis and fingerprint evidence tied to firearms purchases and items recovered from an abandoned vehicle in Atlanta.  

The documents also describe the investigation into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Eric S. Galt, using a pseudonym, purchased a Remington Model 700 rifle (.243 caliber) and later exchanged it for a Remington Model 760 (.30-06 caliber) in Birmingham, Alabama. These purchases were linked to James Earl Ray through forensic analysis of handwriting and fingerprints on items found at the crime scene, including a Remington Game Master Rifle (Model 760, SN 461476), Redfield telescopic sight (SN 17350), Bushnell binoculars (SN DQ408644), and other evidence from an abandoned white Mustang. The bullet recovered was identified as a 30-caliber metal-jacketed "soft point" sporting rifle bullet, consistent with the Remington Model 760.  

Inmate accounts detail James Earl Ray’s alleged interest in assassinating Dr. King, including claims he would receive $10,000 from an unnamed organization for the act. Inmates described Ray’s drug use, escape plans, and associations with other prisoners, as well as his familiarity with Alabama and discussions about hiding in Mexico or Canada. Ray’s physical traits, such as a “slough-footed” gait and cleft chin, were noted by inmates.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of Dr. King; linked to firearms purchases, fingerprint evidence at the crime scene, and prison interactions.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Pseudonym used in transactions later identified as James Earl Ray through handwriting and fingerprint analysis.  
- **Jimmy Delton Garner**: Rooming house operator in Atlanta who rented space to Galt; provided information about his activities.  
- **Howard Nunn**: Inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary who mentioned Ray’s claim of a bounty for MLK’s death.  
- **James W. Brown**: Inmate who reported Ray’s alleged $10,000 reward for killing MLK.  
- **Thomas Britton**: Inmate noting Ray’s familiarity with Alabama and reading habits.  
- **Floyd Evans Hill**: Inmate who identified Ray from photographs and mentioned his plans to “score on safes” and flee to Mexico.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Site of rifle and ammunition purchases by Galt.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Location of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated; also where Ray rented a room.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Where Galt resided in a rooming house and left laundry items for pickup.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (Stark, Seagoville, etc.)**: Primary prison where Ray was incarcerated; multiple inmates described interactions with him.  
- **Mexico (Campespecke, Torreon, Vera Cruz, Acapulco, Nogales, Mexico City)**: Potential hiding places discussed by inmates.  

Key Events  
- **March 28–30, 1968**: Eric S. Galt purchased firearms and ammunition in Birmingham, Alabama, linked to James Earl Ray.  
- **April 4, 1968**: Dr. King was shot and killed at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.  
- **April 5, 1968**: An abandoned white Mustang containing evidence (including bed linen with laundry marks) was found in Atlanta; items connected to Ray through forensic analysis.  
- **Alleged plot to assassinate MLK for financial reward**: Ray reportedly claimed an organization would pay $10,000 for killing MLK.  
- **Escape attempts**: Ray discussed tunneling out of prisons and hiding in caves or remote areas.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI Laboratory**: Conducted fingerprint and handwriting analysis on items linked to the assassination.  
- **Aeromatic Supply Company**: Sold firearms associated with Ray’s purchases.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Primary prison where Ray was incarcerated; inmates described interactions with him.  
- **Businessmen’s Association**: Mentioned as an entity allegedly offering a reward for MLK’s assassination (Ray claimed he intended to investigate this group).  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Referenced via Walter L. Nolan’s FBI number (48187).

MLK Declassified Files

44-ho-1509_sec_007_ser_431-455-part_5_of_6.pdf

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