</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) F B1 Date: 5/15/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plainst or code) AIRTEL Via (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) FROM: SAC, BOSTON (157-6444) SUBJECT: 0 MURKIN SUBJECT: 5/5/16/68, ROBERT WELCH, Director, John Birch Society, Belmont, Massachusetts, advised he could locate no record of membership for JAMES BARL RAY or any of his allasses. WELCH for advised that the Society has 450 bookstores in the United States and the suspect could have purchased material at any of said stores without his name being recorded. He stated that they receive thousands of inquiries for material by corres-s pondents and by telephone, and that they do not index the inquirers' s name. WELCK offered his full cooperation in this matter if additional specific leads are referred to him. Bureau (44+3886) 2-Memphis (44)-1987) 2-Boston (157-(6444] REC-40 WFD:mac (77) REC-41 WFD-38961-3589 C. C. Bishops 13 MAY 17 1968 STX Approved: Special Agent in Chared 66MAY 221988 Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details an FBI investigation into a subject identified as William A. Marshall, described as white, male, 40–45 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 165–180 pounds, with dark hair and fair to medium complexion. He is wanted for questioning following an incident in Chula Vista, California, where he allegedly attempted to purchase a gold Plymouth Convertible (VIN PM27F738208) on May 14, 1968. The car was obtained from an unknown source and not returned, prompting an Amber Alert (APB). Witnesses reported Marshall possibly resembled James Earl Ray, with some identifying him as the subject. The FBI instructed California law enforcement to investigate Marshall’s identity, noting his connection to MURKIN (a code for Martin Luther King Jr.). A separate reference mentions a car owned by Carol Pepper, sister of the subject, operated by John Larry Ray, with a call traced to North Hollywood, California. The document includes teletype messages from FBI offices in San Diego, Memphis, Los Angeles, and St. Louis, emphasizing the subject’s armed and dangerous status.  

Key People  
- William A. Marshall (wanted subject)  
- James Earl Ray (alleged resemblance noted)  
- Carol Pepper (car owner, sister of subject)  
- John Larry Ray (car operator)  
- H. E. Helgeson (FBI agent involved in NCIC entry)  
- Mr. McGowan’s Office (designated for inquiries)  

Key Locations  
- Chula Vista, California (car purchase incident)  
- Springfield at Bloomington, Illinois (investigation location)  
- North Hollywood, California (phone call traced to)  
- FBI offices: San Diego, Memphis, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Washington, D.C.  

Key Events  
- Attempted car purchase in Chula Vista by Marshall, with keys not returned.  
- Witnesses reported possible identification of Marshall as James Earl Ray.  
- FBI issued APB for Marshall, noting his connection to MURKIN.  
- Car entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) for investigation.  
- Call traced to North Hollywood linked to subject’s activities.  
- Instructions to law enforcement to investigate Marshall’s identity and car.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- Local police departments in California, Illinois, and other states

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_12-04-part_4_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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