</s>May 16, 1968 RI: JAMES BARL BAY; DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. - VICTIM; CIVIL HIGHTS - COMFACT, CIVILLAL FLIGHT TO AVOORD CONFIDENT - A FRIED MOBERT On May 16, 1958, Impector I. F. Zachary, Homicide Burrant, Tommee, F. H. Zachary, made available a letter dated by 7, 1963, and he opened tated that this letter is unigined, and feels certain it comes from the only person he has previously sent him letters signed the only with the initial "y." The letter and envelope are attached. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains fragmented records from May 1968 involving James Earl Ray, who is noted to be deceased and buried in Mexico City. It includes FBI communications about tracking Ray’s movements, prison records of inmates associated with him (e.g., James D. Wallace, James L. Owens), and unrelated investigations into telephone credit card thefts. References to "COOLEY" or "COOLY" gang activities are mentioned, though no direct link to Martin Luther King Jr. is established. The text also includes administrative notes about document releases under Executive Order 14176 and mentions of other inmates’ prison records, parole violations, and legal proceedings. A separate summary details FBI investigations into the assassination of MLK, focusing on Ray’s alleged involvement. Wallace, an inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary, allegedly witnessed MLK’s assassination and reported that Ray was seen with Owens in St. Louis during the summer of 1967. Ray is described as a professional thief and alleged murderer with connections to Blackie Austin and Chicago gambler Blackie Decore. The FBI sought information on Ray’s movements, financial activities, and potential escape from prison, including interviews with inmates like Robert Lynn Powell and inquiries into Wallace’s financial transactions involving his brother. Another summary includes fragmented teletype communications from the FBI dated May 17, 1968, referencing case numbers (e.g., 44-38861, 44-4760), administrative directives such as E.O. 14176, and inquiries into individuals named "MURKIN" or William A. Marshall, along with latent print examinations and real estate investigations in Chula Vista, California.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (buried in Mexico City; suspected perpetrator of MLK’s assassination)  
- James D. Wallace (inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary; allegedly witnessed MLK’s assassination)  
- James L. Owens (inmate associated with Ray; described as a professional thief)  
- Robert Lynn Powell (inmate interviewed by St. Louis regarding his association with Ray)  
- Blackie Austin (linked to Ray, possibly an associate or informant)  
- Blackie Decore (Chicago gambler; mentioned as a lesser associate of Ray)  
- William A. Marshall (individual referenced in FBI inquiries)  
- Mr. Polis, Mr. R.P., Mr. Sivarar, Mr. Toverer, Mr. McGowan, Mr. James J. Barronman, Mr. Barrowan (possibly misspelled names from teletype records)  

Key Locations:  
- Mexico City (burial site of James Earl Ray)  
- St. Louis, Missouri (location where Ray was allegedly seen with Owens in 1967; site of Missouri State Penitentiary)  
- Jefferson City, Missouri (Missouri State Penitentiary and Jefferson-Gravis Bank)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (mentioned in context of passport reviews and FBI operations)  
- Minneapolis, Minnesota (Money Order Audit Bureau records referenced)  
- Chula Vista, California (real estate investigation site)  

Key Events:  
- Burial of James Earl Ray in Mexico City  
- FBI investigations into MLK’s assassination, focusing on Ray’s alleged involvement and movements  
- Interviews with inmates at Missouri State Penitentiary to confirm details about Ray’s activities and associations  
- Financial inquiries into Wallace’s transactions, including payments to his brother  
- FBI efforts to track Ray post-escape from prison, including requests for interviews and verification of identities  
- Review of passport applications by the U.S. Department of State, coordinated with FBI operations  
- Inquiries into "MURKIN" or William A. Marshall, including handwriting samples and latent print examinations  
- Real estate investigation in Chula Vista, California  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Missouri State Penitentiary  
- United States Department of State (USDS)  
- Money Order Audit Bureau  
- Western Union Telegraph Company  
- U.S. Department of Justice

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_13-01-part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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