</s>RECIO-D.O. 14176 RECIO.D. O.O2 M.M.A.N.O

Summary  
The document contains FBI communications and investigative reports from May 17–18, 1968, detailing efforts to trace individuals potentially linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Key figures include Blackie De Core, a Chicago-based individual with ties to gambling and theft in Southern Cook County; Jerry Raynes, whose father allegedly discussed MLK’s assassination in 1967 and provided details about suspect movements in Chicago; and "Bob," who supplied information on travel routes via bus from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Los Angeles, California. The suspect’s alleged escape involved a blue Buick with Alabama plates driven by Eddie Wilburn of Huntsville, Alabama, followed by flights to Florida. Connections were noted to William Pierce (airport/motel owner in Belle Glade, Florida), Ben Thompson (boat owner in Key West, Florida), and potential links to Cuba. The FBI also investigated Samuel Lewis, a Memphis rooming house occupant, and associates like "Jerry Ray" and "Samuel Levis." Additional reports referenced William A. Marshall, linked to an escrow contract in California and alleged car theft, with comparisons to James Earl Ray’s physical description. Investigations focused on verifying employment records, stolen vehicle details, and cross-referencing law enforcement databases.  

Key People  
- Blackie De Core (suspected associate of Jerry Raynes; ties to Chicago criminal networks)  
- Jerry Harmon (Sergeant, Midland, Illinois; referenced in investigation)  
- Jerry Raynes (father of suspect; provided information about MLK’s assassination and suspect movements)  
- "Bob" (individual who gave details about the assassination plot, including travel routes and vehicle descriptions)  
- Eddie Wilburn (driver of blue Buick linked to suspect; resident of Huntsville, Alabama)  
- William Pierce (airport/motel owner in Belle Glade, Florida; potential Cuba connection)  
- Ben Thompson (boat owner in Key West, Florida; suspected link to suspect’s movements)  
- Samuel Lewis (rooming house occupant in Memphis, Tennessee)  
- William A. Marshall (investigated for escrow contract and car theft in California)  
- James Earl Ray (alleged suspect referenced in comparisons with Marshall)  

Key Locations  
- Chicago, Illinois (investigation into Blackie De Core, Jerry Raynes, and criminal networks)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (rooming house where suspect stayed post-assassination)  
- Knoxville, Tennessee (origin of bus ticket to Los Angeles)  
- Belle Glade, Florida (airport/motels linked to William Pierce)  
- Key West, Florida (boat owner Ben Thompson’s residence)  
- Huntsville, Alabama (residence of Eddie Wilburn and suspect’s associates)  
- Chula Vista, California (linked to William A. Marshall’s escrow contract)  
- St. Louis, Missouri; Bloomington, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri (document distribution locations)  

Key Events  
- Investigation into Blackie De Core’s ties to Chicago criminal networks and Menard Prison records  
- Jerry Raynes’ father providing information about suspect movements in Chicago in 1967  
- "Bob" supplying details on assassination plot, including travel routes via bus and blue Buick vehicle  
- Suspect’s alleged escape via private plane to Florida, with connections to William Pierce and Ben Thompson  
- FBI efforts to verify William A. Marshall’s employment history with International Harvester Company  
- Search for James Earl Ray through photographic comparisons and law enforcement databases  
- Tracking stolen car details, license plate information, and cross-referencing with postal inspectors, banks, and car rental agencies  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – central to the investigation and communications  
- International Harvester Company – referenced in verifying William A. Marshall’s employment records  
- Rust International, Inc. – mentioned in context of Mr. Woodrow Thompson’s role  
- Postal Inspection Service – involved in cross-referencing stolen vehicle details  
- Menard Prison (Illinois) – referenced for Blackie De Core’s incarceration history  
- Western Union – mentioned in context of financial transactions

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_13-02-part_2_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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