</s>DO NOT DESTROY S. Department of Justirr STATES 3927 ONLY ASSISTANCIAL VALUE ARCHI 44-HG-38981 MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS. HON HON ARCHI ENTIREFILE REVIEWE FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION FEDERAL BUREAU ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNGLASSIFIED DATE IS ALY BY LIVING ATTENTION BEFORE CHANGING CLASSIFICATION OR PROCESSING ANY DOCUMENT FROM THIS FILE FOR RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, CONTACT FO/PA SECTION UNIT D, EXT. 5767. FB/PA SECTION UNITD, EXT_5767. Transfer-Call 421 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI investigative records detailing James Earl Ray’s connection to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Forensic analysis included comparisons of fibers from a 1966 Ford Mustang linked to the case with materials from a bedspread in Memphis, as well as latent fingerprints on a map of Mexico matching those recovered from a rifle and binoculars associated with the investigation. Testimony from Jimmie Delton Garner, a landlord in Atlanta, described Ray’s transient stay at 113-14th Street, N.E., during March–April 1968, noting his drug use, conflicts with residents, and possession of a portable television. Inmate accounts from Missouri State Prison (1966–1967) referenced Ray as a racist with ties to Black Muslim groups, including alleged statements about killing MLK if paid. FBI inquiries focused on Ray’s movements, employment, and associations, including interactions with prison staff, laundry services, and potential drug-related activities. Administrative notes reference document classification under Executive Order 14176 and restrictions on public access.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; described as using amphetamines, interacting with prison guards, and allegedly involved in drug trafficking.  
- **Jimmie Delton Garner**: Landlord in Atlanta who testified about Ray’s stay at 113-14th Street, N.E., including his drug use and conflicts with residents.  
- **Lewie Raymond Dowda**: Inmate at Missouri State Prison who provided testimony on Ray’s prison activities, movements to Florida, Georgia, and California, and interactions with individuals like Neil Abby and Donald Dean Rigger.  
- **Inmates at Missouri State Prison**: Described Ray as a racist with alleged ties to Black Muslim groups and made statements about killing MLK.  
- **Harold Schafer**: Guard at Missouri State Prison allegedly supplying amphetamines to inmates.  
- **Benjamin O. Goodin**: Civilian kitchen supervisor at Missouri State Prison with alleged ties to Ray.  
- **Neil Abby**: Cook at Missouri State Prison potentially linked to drug distribution.  
- **Donald Dean Rigger**: Described as a friend of Ray, with wife working at Napa State Hospital.  
- **Lloyd A. Belt**: Supervisor at Napa State Hospital mentioned in Dowda’s accounts.  

Key Locations  
- **113-14th Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia**: Rooming house associated with Ray’s transient stay during March–April 1968.  
- **Missouri State Prison (MSP)**: Central location for drug distribution and inmate interactions; Ray was incarcerated here 1966–1967.  
- **Marietta, Georgia**: Where DOWDA was incarcerated and where Ray allegedly resided.  
- **Palos Verdes, California**: Site of a 1967 trip by DOWDA.  
- **Napa State Hospital (NSP)**: Linked to Rigger’s wife, a psychiatrist.  

Key Events  
- **Forensic Examination of Evidence**: Analysis of fibers from a 1966 Ford Mustang and bedspread in Memphis; latent fingerprints on a map matched those from weapons linked to the case.  
- **Testimony from Jimmie Delton Garner**: Described Ray’s transient stay, drug use, possession of a television, and interactions involving an individual referred to as “GALT” or “GAINT.”  
- **Inmate Accounts**: Inmates at Missouri State Prison described Ray as a racist with alleged ties to Black Muslim groups and made statements about killing MLK if paid.  
- **FBI Investigations**: Focus on Ray’s movements, employment records, prison interactions, and potential drug-related activities, including inquiries into laundry services and rooming house operations.  
- **Administrative Procedures**: Notes on document classification under Executive Order 14176 and restrictions on public access to sensitive information.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the investigation, managing case files, forensic analysis, and interviews with associates.  
- **Missouri State Prison (MSP)**: Site of alleged drug distribution and inmate interactions linked to Ray’s activities.  
- **Napa State Hospital (NSP)**: Associated with Rigger’s wife, a psychiatrist, mentioned in DOWDA’s accounts.  
- **Black Muslim groups**: Mentioned in inmate accounts as potentially associated with Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_12-05-part_1_of_3.pdf

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