</s>COPIES MADE, DATE 2,2,3,3X,BY APR 8 2 5R PH 1R8 FOR REVIEW RE FELD ON AELING U.S. DELIVERY RECO IEE A.A. FOR REVEW AT FELDON U. S. DELIVERAY TO BE BUFFLE 0-17/250) (SEE BUFFIE 0-12/250). FBI HECO NO. NO.NORS FRECEIVEL DIRECTOR F.B.I. APR B 12 52 PM '68 APR 17 11 51 8 13 PM '66 APR 18 11 11 8 13PM '68 APR 0 3.51 PH-80 RECO. ROSEN F.BI. APR 9 11 59 AM-68 AFEVEED FULSON FBI. FBI. FBI. APR 7 11 11 18 13 PM'68 APR 10 31 PH'80 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on fingerprint analysis, suspect profiles, and physical evidence collection. Key elements include comparisons of signatures and latent fingerprints with individuals like Bobby Ray Graves and Billy Ray King, tracking suspects such as Clifford Hyman, Lyman Hatcher (also known as Theral Burns Lyman), and Clarence Benjamin Mitchell, Jr. The FBI examined rental car records, particularly White Mustangs linked to potential threats against MLK, and coordinated with local law enforcement in Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, and other jurisdictions. References to Klan affiliations, coded communications, and anonymous notes (e.g., referencing "Tommy Mash" in Georgia) are noted. Investigations also involved requests for photographic evidence, tax stamp analysis, and inter-agency coordination between the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, and local police departments.  

Key People  
- **Martin Luther King Jr.** (assassination subject)  
- **Bobby Ray Graves** (suspect with fingerprint comparisons)  
- **Clifford Hyman** (individual under surveillance)  
- **Harold Hyman** (brother of Clifford Hyman, linked to Wallace Muhammad)  
- **Billy Ray King** (individual with fingerprints linked to the case)  
- **Lyman Hatcher** (also known as Theral Burns Lyman; fugitive with prior forgery convictions)  
- **Clarence Benjamin Mitchell, Jr.** (owner of a white Mustang with license plate GJ 788-33)  
- **Jerry Hedgeman** (St. Petersburg, Florida; reported Hatcher’s hostility toward MLK)  
- **Mary Eaglan Lyman** (wife of Theral Burns Lyman; last known address in St. Petersburg, Florida)  
- **Bob McGowan** (informant providing details about threats against MLK’s church)  
- **John Edwards** (firearms salesman connected to a suspect in Memphis)  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** (crime scene, FBI investigation focus; motels and rental car agencies)  
- **Birmingham, Alabama** (rifle sale location, suspect connections; linked to prior investigations like "Greenbombs")  
- **Atlanta, Georgia** (destination for suspects)  
- **St. Petersburg, Florida** (Hedgeman’s residence and Lyman’s alleged connections)  
- **San Diego, California** (Lyman’s parole release and prior incarceration at Chino State Prison)  
- **Maryland** (Mitchell’s employment and residence; FBI investigation into his movements)  
- **Miami, Florida** (FBI office receiving anonymous note referencing "Tommy Mash")  
- **Washington D.C.** (FBI headquarters, White House memorandum coordination)  

Key Events  
- **April 4–11, 1968**: FBI investigations into MLK’s assassination, including evidence recovery (laundry marks, clothing items), latent fingerprint analysis, and coordination with local law enforcement.  
- **April 5–9, 1968**: Fingerprint comparisons involving Billy Ray King and Bobby Ray Graves; examination of rental car records and bedspread evidence.  
- **April 8–9, 1968**: Anonymous note received in Miami referencing "Tommy Mash" in Georgia as potentially linked to the assassination.  
- **April 10–11, 1968**: FBI laboratory requests for tape samples from Thermo-Seal machines to compare with crime scene evidence; ongoing inquiries into suspects like Courtlard Fouts and John Edwards.  
- **Ongoing investigations**: Tracking Lyman Hatcher (paroled in October 1967) and Clarence Benjamin Mitchell, Jr., including fingerprint comparisons and license plate checks.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central authority coordinating investigations, fingerprint analysis, and inter-office communication.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Oversight of FBI activities and memorandum distribution to the White House.  
- **Civil Rights Division**: Involved in case management and legal coordination.  
- **Memphis Police Department (Highway Patrol Substation)**: Collaborated with FBI on local investigations.  
- **Rental car agencies** (Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, National Car Rentals): Examined for vehicle records linked to suspects.  
- **San Diego Police Department**: Provided records on Lyman Hatcher’s incarceration and parole status.  
- **Maryland State Police**: Checked Mitchell’s license plate and background.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_01-02-part_7_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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