</s>AT 44-2386 value on instant key, Same initialed by Detective DAVIS and receiving SAS JOHN B. REYNOLDS and JOHN J. LANGSFELD. Birmingham utilize instant key for any pertinent value investigation in this matter and if no value apparent, submit key to FBI Lab for possible future value and examination of evidence in this case. ARMED AND DANGEROUS. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) detailing investigative activities related to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. It includes efforts to identify individuals associated with James Earl Ray, the alleged assassin, through interviews and forensic analysis of photographic evidence. The FBI sought composite photographs of Ray and compared them with witnesses such as Charles Stein, Rita Stein, Marie Martin, and Debra Gold. Telephone records were examined for calls made from locations like the St. Francis Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, and checks were conducted on film rolls recovered from Stein. The Bureau also noted that no photographic evidence linked Ray to the crime scene or confirmed his presence at specific locations. Additionally, the FBI responded to inquiries from Senator Walter Mondale regarding security measures for King, clarifying its role as an investigative agency without protective duties.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Alleged assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., subject of investigation.  
- **Charles Stein**: Interviewed regarding potential connections to Ray and photographic evidence.  
- **Rita Stein**: Spouse of Charles Stein, involved in interviews.  
- **Marie Martin**: St. Francis Hotel employee, interviewed about phone calls and film rolls.  
- **Debra Gold**: Former resident linked to Ray, denied prior knowledge of him.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: FBI Director, referenced in correspondence with Senator Mondale.  
- **Walter F. Mondale**: U.S. Senator who inquired about FBI security protocols for King.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Francis Hotel (Memphis, Tennessee)**: Location associated with potential phone calls and film roll checks.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Site of interviews and photographic analysis.  
- **Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Chicago**: Cities where investigative efforts were coordinated.  
- **National Dance Studio (Long Beach, California)**: Mentioned in telephone number listings.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., prompting FBI investigation into James Earl Ray.  
- **April 15–18, 1968**: FBI conducted interviews with witnesses, analyzed photographic evidence, and reviewed telephone records.  
- **Photographic Analysis**: Examination of film rolls, zipper bag, and bedspread photos to identify Ray or connections.  
- **FBI Correspondence**: Response to Senator Mondale’s inquiry about protective measures for King, clarifying the Bureau’s investigative role.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central agency conducting the investigation.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Oversight body referenced in FBI communications.  
- **United States Senate**: Involved in inquiries regarding security protocols for King.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_03-04-part_2_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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