</s>M. J.J. BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION M. T. Talison M. D. Del-ach J. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE M. K-hop. M. H. H-hop M. Del.ach M. J. D-hop MUNMUNICATION SECTION M. R. H -hop. 57/4/18. MAY 24 1968 Mr. Allanan Mr. Conrad. M. Gole FBI WASH DC TELETYPE Mr. Gale Mr. Rose Mr. Roose Mr. Taver. FBI KAN CITY Mr. Traveler. Mr. Taylor. 450 TRM URGENT 5/24/68 PHM Mr. Rooer Miss Holmes To DIRECTOR 44-38861, MEMPHIS 44-1987 Miss Candy. FROM KANSAS CITY 44-3661, MEMPHS 44-7601 1P MURKIN - DAILY SUMMARY. MURKEN - DAILY SUMMERY. EFFORTS TO LOCATE RALPH RENFRO IN JOPLIN, MO ., NEGATIVE. LEADS SET OUT FOR LOUISVILLE AND OMAHA. LEADS SELT OUT FOR LAOUISVILLA AND CELMATE OF SUBJECT, ADVISED CECILIYBRIDGE, FORMER CELLMATE of SUBJECT. ADVISIDED THE ONLY MAGAZINE THE OBSERVED RAY READING WAS "TIME." ORIGINAL RECORDS BELSAW LOCKSMITHING INSTITUTE, KANSANS CITY, MO. BEING OBTAINED AND FORWARDED TO LAB FOR HANDWRITTING EXAMINATION. THESE RECORGS FROM APRIL ONE, LAST, TO THE PRESENT TIME, INCLUDING ABOUT ONE HUNDRED TWENTIFYFIVE APPLICATIONS. DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINAION OFFICES FOR ENTIRE STATE OF MISSOURI BEING CIRCULATED WITH IDENTIFICATION ORDERS DRIVER'.S LICENSE HEADQUARTERS AT JEFFERSON CITY, MO .. 44-38961-31.1 ALL LOCAL LEADS CONTINUE TO BE HANDLED IMMEDIATELY, MAY 27 1968 AM COPY ST. LOUISA. P ARMED AND DANGEROUS. END LCC LCCS 3-1953 P P 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations from May 1968 and earlier periods, focusing on bank robberies in Alton, Illinois (1967) and the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). They reference John Eugene Gawrow’s allegations of robbing the Bank of Alton with an unnamed co-conspirator identified as Jimmie Cumu, with James H. Carpenter (FBI #230-243) suspected as a link to these crimes. The FBI examined forensic evidence from a body found in Mexico, including fingerprints and blood samples, potentially connected to James Earl Ray, a central suspect in MLK’s assassination. Legal proceedings involving Ray included motions to dismiss charges overseen by Judge John E. Casey. The FBI also considered publicizing information to encourage Ray’s surrender while balancing risks of media attention and civil unrest. Separate inquiries from May 1968 addressed locating Ralph Renfro, checking Michael Key Clark’s parole records, and investigating Edgar Eugene Bradley’s whereabouts, with mentions of John Larry Ray as a fugitive linked to the Alton robbery. The term "KING RAP" appears in context of potential legal associations but is not explicitly tied to MLK’s assassination.  

Key People:  
- **John Eugene Gawrow**: Alleged bank robber in Alton, Illinois (1967).  
- **Jimmie Cumu**: Identified as co-conspirator in the Alton robbery.  
- **James H. Carpenter** (FBI #230-243): Suspected associate of Gawrow and linked to robberies.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central suspect in MLK’s assassination; connected to fingerprint analysis and legal proceedings.  
- **Judge John E. Casey**: Oversaw motions related to Ray’s case.  
- **Ralph Renfro**: Subject of location efforts in Joplin, Missouri.  
- **Michael Key Clark**: Under investigation for parole records with the California State Parole Office.  
- **Edgar Eugene Bradley**: Investigated for connections to Rex Basinger.  
- **John Larry Ray**: Fugitive linked to Alton bank robbery; subject of judicial orders for appearance.  

Key Locations:  
- **Alton, Illinois**: Site of 1967 bank robberies.  
- **Mexico**: Location of a body with forensic evidence (fingerprints, blood samples).  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: FBI field office involved in investigations.  
- **Joplin, Missouri**: Location sought for Ralph Renfro.  
- **California**: Mentioned in context of Michael Key Clark’s parole records.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Reference to FBI operations.  

Key Events:  
- **Bank Robberies (1967)**: Investigation into Alton, Illinois, robberies linked to Gawrow and Cumu.  
- **Fingerprint Analysis**: Examination of evidence from a body found in Mexico potentially connected to James Earl Ray.  
- **Legal Proceedings**: Motions to dismiss or vacate charges against Ray, with Judge Casey’s involvement.  
- **Publicity Considerations**: FBI deliberations on publicizing information to encourage Ray’s surrender.  
- **Location Efforts (May 1968)**: FBI efforts to locate Ralph Renfro and check Michael Key Clark’s records.  
- **Judicial Orders**: Plans by Judge John C. Casey to issue an order for John Larry Ray’s appearance by June 1968.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into bank robberies, forensic analysis, and MLK’s assassination.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Involved in legal proceedings related to James Earl Ray’s case.  
- **California State Parole Office**: Checked records for Michael Key Clark.  
- **Missouri Driver’s License Examination Offices**: Mentioned in administrative context.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_14-04-part_2_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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