</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) FBI Date: 10/31/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plantexet or code) AIRTEL Via (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-888901) FROM: SAC, MEMPHIS (44)-888907) (P) SUBJECT: MURKIN - COST DATA Rebutel to Memphis, 4/17/68, concerning cost data. Inasmuch as subject RAY is in local custody, that the state trial trial in this matter is about to commence and that there remaining very little, if any is all, additional investigation to be complete, if it is all. Additional investigation authorize the Memphis Division to discontinue the submission of the monthly cost data figures in instant matter. The monthly cost cost data for the month of October, 1968, will be submitted. UACB, the Memphis division will follow the submission of the October cost figures, advise the other field division of the Oklahoma cost figures. advise the division with this information. 44-38961-3551 REC 17 13 EK.JOH HE (NOV 7 1968 Airtel 2-Burean Memo to Teletype - Memphis Memo-to HEG-mjh NIPC/8 A.N.S.D. (9) A.M.S .- S.D .- Speo-Del- Reg-M.J.1 Rep-Moll R.K.Kennan Approved 6 NOV-mngnng Charge Registered 5-6NOV-m968 Sent M Per 2015 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details FBI investigations into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray as a suspect. It references interviews with Bill Sartor, a contract writer for "Time" magazine, who provided information about Ray's contacts in Los Angeles and New Orleans. Charlie Stein, linked to organized crime, is mentioned as having contacted Ray, allegedly offering assistance with money and fugitive status. Frank Liberto, described as a Memphis racketeer and associate of the southern Mafia, is noted as someone Ray may have been connected to. Claude Cockrell, a segregationist and narcotics dealer, whose potential involvement in moonshine operations and questionable police reputation are highlighted. Sartor's account includes claims that Ray was advised by "Mafia" representatives to seek money in New Orleans but not return. The FBI notes that individuals like Joe Camameci and Larry Mann, identified as professional killers, remain unconnected to the murder. A young Black boy allegedly witnessed Ray fleeing a rooming house after firing a shot, though no evidence of an unidentified person was found near the scene. The Memphis Police Department's heightened vigilance due to racial tensions in April 1968 is noted, with officers stationed around the Lorraine Motel during King's stay. The document also references unrelated inquiries into motels and hotels for potential connections to "Raoul," a name linked to Ray through magazine articles suggesting conspiracy theories.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (suspect)  
- Bill Sartor (contract writer, informant)  
- Charlie Stein (organized crime contact)  
- Frank Liberto (Memphis racketeer, Mafia associate)  
- Claude Cockrell (segregationist, narcotics dealer)  
- Joe Camameci and Larry Mann (professional killers, unconnected to murder)  
- "Raoul" (name linked to Ray via magazine articles)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (Lorraine Motel, police presence)  
- New Orleans, Louisiana (Mafia connections)  
- Los Angeles, California (Ray's contact with Stein)  
- Alabama (motels in Salem and Birmingham)  
- Mexico (Nuevo Laredo, unnamed motel)  

Key Events:  
- FBI interviews with Sartor (June 12 and August 22, 1968)  
- Alleged contact between Ray and "Mafia" representatives in New Orleans  
- Investigation into Cockrell's moonshine operations and police reputation  
- Witness account of Ray fleeing a rooming house after the shooting  
- Memphis Police Department's heightened security for King  
- Inquiries into motels for potential connections to "Raoul"  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- Memphis Police Department  
- Southern Mafia (via Liberto and "Mafia" representatives)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_22-05-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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