</s>SERIES 479-4683 44-H-38981 H. S. Department of Juatier SERIES 579-4863 SE NOTE IS REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS BLEE STROY ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION FEDERAL BUREAU SECTION 59 ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED BEREIN IS UNLACLASSICATED DATE BY STROY ATTENTION SEPANIA'S 4378-063 BEFORE CHANGING CLASSIFICATION OR PROCESSING ANY DOCUMENT FROM THIS FILE FOR RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, CONTACT FO/PA SECTION UNIT D, EXT. 5767. FBI/DOJ USE GAIL-IN- DO NOT DENTARY HIS ORICIAL VALUE Transfer-Call 421 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI and U.S. Department of Justice investigations into individuals linked to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, focusing on James Earl Ray as a central suspect. Key elements include:  
- References to Keith Edward Roberts (U.S. Post Office mail clerk) and John Joseph Capello (military veteran) undergoing background checks by federal agencies between 1955–1968. These reviews included mental health evaluations, employment history, and connections to anti-war groups or the John Birch Society.  
- FBI inquiries into Cole’s claims of associating with James Earl Ray in Winchester, Virginia, on January 5, 1968, involving a stolen tractor. The FBI contacted CBS for verification and conducted background checks on Cole.  
- Investigations into Joseph M. Marks (private investigator in Los Angeles) over legal disputes with Thomas P. and Anna Marie Rose, including allegations of civil rights violations and arrests in 1964.  
- Interviews with Bruce Irwin (San Francisco), who claimed to have met Jimmy Galt in New Orleans in late April or early May 1967 and described a man resembling Ray. The FBI requested further verification of his statements.  
- Harold Richard Covington’s arrest for stolen property and planned FBI interview as part of broader suspect inquiries.  
- Legal discussions regarding James Earl Ray’s trial in Memphis, Tennessee, including considerations for a change of venue, conspiracy investigations into financial transactions (e.g., bank robberies), and secure transportation methods to prevent escape. The FBI and Department of Justice debated using military transport to bring Ray from London, England, due to security concerns.  
- Mention of the raincoat found on Ray during his 1968 arrest in London, purchased in Toronto, Canada, by Andy’s Men’s Shop in 1966. The store owner’s wife identified Ray as the buyer.  

Key People  
- **Keith Edward Roberts**: U.S. Post Office mail clerk investigated for mental health concerns (1964–1965).  
- **John Joseph Capello**: Military veteran with FBI background checks related to employment eligibility (1955–1959).  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central suspect in MLK’s assassination; referenced in multiple investigations, including his alleged activities in Winchester, Virginia, and legal proceedings in Memphis.  
- **Cole**: Caller claiming association with Ray, providing contact details and statements about a stolen tractor incident.  
- **Joseph M. Marks**: Private investigator in Los Angeles with legal disputes and alleged civil rights violations.  
- **Bruce Irwin (Robert Lawrence Russell)**: Interviewed by FBI in San Francisco, claimed to have met Jimmy Galt and described Ray’s appearance.  
- **Harold Richard Covington**: Arrested for stolen property, under investigation by FBI.  
- **Andy’s Men’s Shop owner (wife identified Ray)**: Store owner in Toronto who confirmed Ray purchased the raincoat in 1966.  

Key Locations  
- **New York City** (Brooklyn, Jamaica, Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh)  
- **Albany, New York**  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Contextual reference to MLK-related investigations and Ray’s trial.  
- **Hamilton, Ohio**: Cole’s address and location of his phone call.  
- **Winchester, Virginia**: Site of alleged incident involving James Earl Ray on January 5, 1968.  
- **Toronto, Canada**: Location of Andy’s Men’s Shop where the raincoat was purchased in 1966.  
- **London, England**: Site of Ray’s arrest in 1968; discussed for secure transportation back to Memphis.  

Key Events  
- FBI reviews of Keith Edward Roberts’ employment and mental health records (1964–1965).  
- Background checks on John Joseph Capello for U.S. Post Office eligibility (1955–1959).  
- FBI investigation into Cole’s claims about James Earl Ray’s activities in Winchester, Virginia.  
- Legal disputes involving Joseph M. Marks over property matters and alleged civil rights violations.  
- Interview of Bruce Irwin regarding his alleged meeting with Jimmy Galt and descriptions of James Earl Ray.  
- Arrest and incarceration of Harold Richard Covington for stolen property.  
- Legal proceedings for James Earl Ray’s trial in Memphis, Tennessee, including discussions on conspiracy investigations and secure transportation logistics.  
- Raincoat purchase by Andy’s Men’s Shop owner in Toronto (1966), identified as belonging to Ray.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted background checks, interviews, and investigations into suspects linked to MLK’s assassination.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Coordinated security measures for potential return of James Earl Ray from London, England.  
- **Civil Service Commission**: Mentioned in context of employment eligibility reviews for John Joseph Capello.  
- **House Select Committee on Assassinations**: Referenced in discussions about potential links to anti-war groups or the John Birch Society.  
- **United States Post Office**: Employed Keith Edward Roberts and subject of background checks.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Involved in planning secure transportation for James Earl Ray’s return from England.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_17-05-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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