</s>SI 44-561 N. PAUL STANLEY BOOTHBY - 186 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains fragmented records from an investigation into potential connections between individuals and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Paul Stanley Boothby, a suspect interviewed by FDY agents in Illinois in 1968, claimed to have traveled via freight trains from Chicago to Memphis, Tennessee, between April 4-16, 1968, but denied involvement in MLK’s assassination or knowledge of those responsible. His physical description and family details, including parents’ contact information, are noted. Driver’s license records for James E. Bodker, William A. Marshall, and others include inconsistent or unclear data. References to Robert Hood Strader and his wife Margaret Carmichael Staden describe FBI interactions, including a note allegedly found in Strader’s car referencing plans to kill MLK. Strader claimed he was followed by two men and feared for his safety after learning of the assassination. Cecil Ray’s whereabouts are unclear, with details about his separation from his wife and employment history noted. The document also references fragmented information on other individuals, including possible connections to Crane Packing, Richard Risley, and locations in Peoria, Illinois.  

Key People:  
- Paul Stanley Boothby (suspect interviewed in Illinois)  
- Robert Hood Strader (allegedly involved in plans to kill MLK)  
- Margaret Carmichael Staden (wife of Robert Hood Strader)  
- Cecil Ray (subject of investigation, separated from wife)  
- James E. Bodker, William A. Marshall (individuals with driver’s license records)  
- Leonard Kelly (Sheriff reporting on RAY family associations)  
- Oregil Ray, Larry Ray, Cecil Rav, Gilbert Ray, James Earl Ray (members of the RAY family under investigation)  
- Gillery, Richard Risley, G.H. R.V., G.I.R., Leonad Bolles, Resoli Prior (other individuals mentioned in fragmented records)  

Key Locations:  
- Clinton, Illinois  
- DeWitt County Jail, Illinois  
- Memphis, Tennessee  
- Fayette County, Vandalia, Illinois  
- Peoria, Illinois  
- Crane Packing (location unspecified)  
- USO (likely a typo or unclear reference)  

Key Events:  
- Interview of Paul Stanley Boothby regarding travel and MLK assassination (April 1968)  
- Discovery of a note in Robert Hood Strader’s car referencing plans to kill MLK  
- FBI interactions with Margaret Carmichael Staden regarding her husband’s safety  
- Investigation into Cecil Ray’s whereabouts and employment history  
- Jailing of Larry Ray for unspecified reasons during the weekend of May 1-2, 1968, followed by release after bond payment  
- Employment history of Gilbert Ray (street and garbage work) and other family members  
- Fragmented reports on familial connections, addresses, and residences  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles  
- DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois  
- Madison County Court, Edwardsville, Illinois  
- S.L.V.A.Y.A. (possibly an acronym)  
- Crane Packing  
- Unspecified service stations or businesses

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_14-05-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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