</s>FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LAU FILE Laboratory Work Sheet Re: H.W.KIN File # U.L.D-30661 Lab. # D-5062197 JK CR 00% Houplio (U.L-19-1997) Examination requested by: SAG, Cleveland (U-5565) Mirtel 5/1/68 Examination required: Document, Fincorprint Date received: 5/2/60 Result of Examination: Result of Examination: Examination by: Mortimer RETURN T D 2/V 5/5/16 Photo F Nes.only. Qot alds and Nettivi to Clutha C. Luthi. LIFM 10-67 3-6-3 Specimens submitted for examination Q308 Envelope with obossed 6 cont stamp postmarked "SAND-SKY OH AFR 22 nY 1969 bearing; hand printed address "JOST MASTER FLEES # ISLAND ONAKUO" hand printed Q309 Unstamped envelope bearing: hand printed addresses "CHIEF OF POLICE Q310 Sheet of paper bearing hand printed message be/inning "DAR- 5/12 - 5/28 - I UNDERSTAND ....... ALSO: JUNLITITED: Envelopo postmarked in Canada, addressed to "Federal Bureau of Invoitation, Sandusky, Ohio" , three counts, on quarter and two nickels 49 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The provided text is a collection of **FBI internal communications** from the early 1960s, likely related to the **investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.** (April 4, 1968). Here’s a breakdown of its key elements and context:

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### **Key Themes & Content**
1. **James Earl Ray Investigation**:
   - The text references **James Earl Ray**, the man convicted of assassinating MLK. It includes details about his movements, fingerprints (e.g., latent prints from Gwinnett County Police), and efforts to track him.
   - There are mentions of **phone calls, reservations, and travel routes** (e.g., Continental Airlines reservations) that may relate to Ray’s activities or attempts to evade detection.

2. **Fingerprint Analysis**:
   - The FBI requested the **Latent Fingerprint Section** to compare prints from Gwinnett County with Ray’s known fingerprints (filed as "41/82"). This aligns with the broader effort to link physical evidence to suspects.

3. **Witnesses & Informants**:
   - **Charles Duman** is mentioned as a potential witness or informant. His son allegedly claimed knowledge of MLK’s assassination, and his employer at a coffee house was linked to the case.
   - Other individuals like **Otis Dunham** (a relative of Charles Duman) are referenced, suggesting a network of informants or suspects.

4. **Telecommunications & Surveillance**:
   - The text includes details about **phone calls from El Paso, San Diego, and other locations**, possibly tracking communications or reservations tied to Ray’s movements.
   - There is mention of **telephone equipment used by airlines** (e.g., Continental Airlines) to log reservation requests, which could have been exploited for surveillance.

5. **Coordinated Efforts**:
   - The FBI coordinated with multiple offices (e.g., Sacramento, San Diego, Atlanta) and agencies (e.g., Postal Inspectors) to gather information, indicating a large-scale investigation.

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### **Historical Context**
- **James Earl Ray’s Conviction**: In 1968, Ray was convicted of assassinating MLK. However, conspiracy theories persist due to gaps in evidence and the lack of direct proof linking him to the crime.
- **FBI Role**: The FBI’s involvement reflects its role in domestic security during the Civil Rights Movement. The agency faced criticism for its handling of the case, including alleged cover-ups or mismanagement.

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### **Significance**
- This document highlights the **complexity of the investigation**, with efforts to track Ray through fingerprints, communications, and informants.
- It also underscores the **FBI’s reliance on technology** (e.g., telephone reservations systems) and inter-agency collaboration during the 1960s.

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### **Possible Interpretations**
- The text may reflect **pre-trial investigations** or attempts to corroborate Ray’s involvement.
- Some details (e.g., Charles Duman’s claims) could be part of **conspiracy theories**, as no conclusive evidence has ever linked him directly to the assassination.
- The mention of **mental health institutions** and **unemployment** for some individuals suggests a focus on their potential motives or instability.

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### **Conclusion**
This document is a fragment of the FBI’s extensive, often opaque investigation into MLK’s assassination. While it provides insight into the methods used (fingerprint analysis, telecommunications tracking), its value as evidence remains contested due to gaps in documentation and the lack of direct proof linking Ray to the crime. It serves as a window into the era’s law enforcement practices and the enduring mystery surrounding MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_10-02-part_4_of_5.pdf

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