</s>HELIEVED TELETYPE UNIT MADE 3 539M NO HELLEVED I VAV TELETYPE AIV RECO-D-0-00-0O-0 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The document contains fragmented records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) related to investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), including fingerprint analysis reports, correspondence between FBI agents and SACs, and internal memos discussing suspects such as James Earl Ray, Vincent Joseph Walker, and others. The FBI’s investigation is noted as a priority case involving extensive interviews, laboratory examinations, and cross-referencing of fingerprints and hotel records. A memo references CBS planning a program on MLK and Rev. Ralph Abernethy’s criticism of the FBI’s handling of the case. Administrative notes mention document releases under Executive Order 14176 and individuals like David Cooperman, whose fingerprints were compared but not matched to known records. Additional records include fragmented FBI communications and laboratory reports related to James Earl Ray (FBI #405420) and other individuals, with a telegraph from Louisville FBI to New Orleans referencing James C. Hardin, photo records, and indices for identifiable individuals linked to him. A Laboratory Transmittal Form details an analysis of specimens tied to David Cooperman, including checks from Suburban Trust Company, with the FBI lab concluding questioned writings were not prepared by James Earl Ray and noting no fingerprint matches for "Lalah Cooperman" or "Lahal Cooperman." Reports mention John Eugene Gawron being re-interviewed about a 1966 Alton, IL bank robbery where he claimed Jerry Ray (possibly James Earl Ray) participated. The text includes inconsistencies possibly due to OCR errors and references Russell Brannen and John Paul Velanti’s interactions with Ray.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (suspect linked via fingerprint analysis, FBI #405420)  
- Vincent Joseph Walker (investigated for potential connection to Memphis hotel records)  
- Rev. Ralph Abernethy (criticized FBI’s handling of MLK’s case)  
- David Cooperman (subject of fingerprint comparison and check analysis)  
- James C. Hardin (linked to Shreveport, LA; photo records)  
- John Eugene Gawron (re-interviewed about 1966 Alton bank robbery)  
- Jerry Ray (possibly James Earl Ray)  
- Russell Brannen (potentially seen by Jerry Ray post-escape)  
- John Paul Velanti (ex-con with interactions with Ray)  
- James H. Carpenter (FBI #302433)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (hotel records, cab driver encounters)  
- St. Louis, Missouri (Vincent Joseph Walker’s arrest record)  
- Los Angeles, California (St. Francis Hotel, CBS program reference)  
- New Orleans, Louisiana (background checks on Dr. J.C. Hardin)  
- Shreveport, Louisiana (individual described as "armed and dangerous")  
- Alton, Illinois (1966 bank robbery reference)  
- Suburban Trust Company (linked to David Cooperman’s checks)  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)  
- FBI Laboratory (Richmond, Baltimore divisions)  

Key Events:  
- FBI fingerprint analysis of suspects in MLK assassination case  
- Investigation into James Earl Ray’s identification through hotel records and fingerprints  
- Internal FBI correspondence about CBS programming and public perception of the investigation  
- Search for Vincent Joseph Walker, including comparison of latent fingerprints with hotel registration cards  
- Analysis of checks linked to David Cooperman and Suburban Trust Company  
- Interview with John Eugene Gawron about 1966 Alton bank robbery involving James Earl Ray  
- Investigation into Russell Brannen’s potential contact with Jerry Ray post-escape  
- FBI laboratory examination of handwriting and fingerprints for identification  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- Special Agents in Charge (SACs) in Memphis, St. Louis, and Los Angeles  
- FBI Laboratory (Richmond, Baltimore divisions)  
- Suburban Trust Company  
- St. Francis Hotel (Los Angeles)  
- University of Mississippi (linked to James Hardin’s whereabouts)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_15-03-part_7_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search