</s>RECEIVED NERAL INVESTIGA1- DIVISION 5/2/14/14- MAR 8 | 23 PM '69 F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVERED TELETYPE UNIT Main 8 | 12.57TH 79B 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: The document details the FBI’s investigation into the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray’s conviction for first-degree murder. Ray pleaded guilty to the crime in 1969, receiving a 99-year prison sentence after a compromise agreement that avoided a death penalty. Key evidence included ballistic analysis linking a 30-06 Remington rifle found at the Lorraine Motel to Ray through registration records and fingerprint matches. The FBI tracked Ray’s movements across Alabama, Mexico, Canada, Portugal, and England, culminating in his arrest at Heathrow Airport on June 8, 1968, after presenting forged passports. Testimony highlighted Ray’s use of aliases (Eric Galt, Paul Bridgman, Ramon George Sneyd) and his alleged connections to individuals like Charles Stein in New Orleans and Marie Martin in Los Angeles. The trial included forensic evidence such as hair analysis, document comparisons, and mock-ups created by the FBI’s Exhibit Section to aid jury understanding. Both prosecution and defense concluded there was no evidence of a conspiracy, though Ray disputed this during the trial. Parole eligibility under Tennessee law was noted as 33 years from sentencing, with prior convictions affecting his legal status.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (defendant)  
- Eric S. Galt (alias used by Ray)  
- Percy Foreman (Ray’s attorney)  
- L. Baker (salesman at Aeromarine Supply Company)  
- Donald P. Wood (gun sales manager)  
- Charles Stein (alleged accomplice in New Orleans)  
- Marie Martin (Los Angeles resident who interacted with Ray)  
- Inspector N.E. Zachary (FBI agent involved in evidence collection)  
- Chief Supt. Thomas Butler (British police officer involved in Ray’s arrest)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (Lorraine Motel, Canipolis Amusement Company)  
- Birmingham, Alabama (Aeromarine Supply Company, Butler Street Fire Station)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (Flamingo Motel, Capitol Homes parking area)  
- Toronto, Canada (102 Ossington West, 962 Dundas)  
- Lisbon, Portugal (Hotel Portugal, Portuguese National Police)  
- London, England (Heathrow Airport, Heathfield House Hotel)  

Key Events:  
- Discovery of the rifle and binoculars in Room 5B of the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968.  
- Tracing of the white Mustang’s registration to Eric S. Galt and its ownership history (William D. Paisley).  
- Ray’s use of aliases and travel routes through Alabama, Mexico, Canada, and Portugal.  
- FBI and international law enforcement collaboration in tracking Ray’s movements.  
- Ray’s arrest at Heathrow Airport on June 8, 1968, after presenting forged passports.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)  
- New Scotland Yard (British police)  
- Portuguese National Police  
- Toronto Board of Education (linked to alias Paul Bridgman)  
- International School of Bartending (Ray’s enrollment in Los Angeles)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_24-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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