</s>RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT APR 24 3 55 PM '68 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s connection to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, including efforts to locate Ray, who was incarcerated in Jefferson City, Missouri, before escaping in 1967. Ray, identified by multiple aliases such as Eric Starvo Galt and W.C. Herron, was described as armed and dangerous with physical traits noted (5'10", blue eyes, brown hair, scars). The FBI sought information on his movements, associates, and financial transactions, including inquiries into a car sold from Leavenworth Penitentiary and checks on social security numbers for Ray and prison industry employees. Investigations also focused on Marvin Baitrell in Mobile, Alabama, who interacted with Panamanian national Brown in 1962, discussing Dr. King’s activities. Brown later suspected assassination plans after King’s death on April 4, 1968. The FBI coordinated with multiple offices to gather intelligence, including requests for Ray’s photographs from Memphis and interviews with associates like William Henry Holland. A telegraphic communication dated April 26, 1968, referenced ongoing investigations in Memphis, Atlanta, and Chicago, noting John Medizer’s ties to the American Nazi Party (ANP) and Alvis Gray’s relocation to Spotsylvania, Virginia, where he resided in an ANP camper-truck. The document warned that individuals involved in plots against MLK were “armed and dangerous” and was marked for release under Executive Order 14176.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; aliases include Eric Starvo Galt, W.C. Herron, Harvey Lowery, James McBride, etc.  
- **Marvin Baitrell**: Owner of Litterell Motor Co. in Athens, Alabama; interacted with Brown in 1962.  
- **Brown (Panamanian national)**: Seaman on the Texaco S.S. Southampton; discussed Dr. King with Baitrell and later suspected assassination plans.  
- **Buddy Batcheelder**: Police character with burglary and prostitution arrests; linked to Ray’s associates.  
- **William Henry Holland**: Associate of Ray; interviewed regarding his connections.  
- **John Medizer**: Linked to American Nazi Party (ANP); subject of investigation.  
- **Alvis Gray**: ANP member; relocated to Spotsylvania, Virginia.  
- **Doyna Gray**: Wife of Alvis Gray; resided in ANP camper-truck.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Ray’s sister; involved in a St. Louis-to-Jefferson City telephone call.  

Key Locations  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Site of Ray’s incarceration before escape in 1967.  
- **Mobile, Alabama**: Location of Baitrell’s interaction with Brown in 1962.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Lorraine Motel where MLK was assassinated; referenced in FBI inquiries and telegraphic communication.  
- **Leavenworth Penitentiary, Missouri**: Site of car sale inquiry linked to Ray.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Telephone call investigation involving Carol Pepper.  
- **Spotsylvania, Virginia**: Residence of Alvis Gray and his wife.  
- **Dallas, Texas**: Source of telegraphic communication referencing ANP ties.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Date of Dr. King’s assassination; referenced in Brown’s suspicion about assassination plans.  
- **April 23–25, 1968**: FBI efforts to locate Ray, including checks on stolen vehicles and stolen firearms.  
- **October 26, 1962**: Brown’s encounter with Baitrell in Mobile, Alabama, discussing Dr. King.  
- **Social Security Number checks**: Initiated for Ray and prison industry employees.  
- **FBI request for photographs**: Of Ray taken by an acquaintance in Mexico for identification.  
- **Telegraphic communication (April 26, 1968)**: Noted ongoing investigations in Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago; referenced John Medizer’s ANP ties and Alvis Gray’s relocation.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations, issued wanted notices, coordinated with multiple offices.  
- **American Nazi Party (ANP)**: Linked to John Medizer and Alvis Gray; mentioned in telegraphic communication.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Involved in legal and investigative processes; referenced in communications and releases.  
- **Postal Inspector’s Office**: Mentioned in teletype messages regarding mail order forms for fingerprint analysis.  
- **Ford Motor Company**: Security records checked for Lou Echlin.  
- **Delta Airlines**: Involved in passport verification for flight passengers.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_07-04-part_2_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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