</s>FD-36 (Rev. 2-14-74) FBI Date: 6/1/77 Transmit the following in Type in plaintext or code: AirTEL AIRMAIL Via (Precedence) To: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) FROM: SAG-BIRMINGHAM (44+1740) (RUC) SUBJECT: MURKIN Re Birmingham teletype, 5/31/77. Source referred to in retel is MORRIS DAVIS, DOB address - 2029 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35244. 4K-386661-602225 HEC-128 7 JUN-81977: 2- Bureau 1 - Birmingham ALB:hss (3) NIKTO K108B Hil. Hantt Approved: 97 JUN 141977 Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI teletypes and memoranda from June 1977 detailing an ongoing investigation into Martin Luther King Jr.'s (MLK) assassination. Key elements include references to Keith Ernest Lamonica, an individual in Seattle, Washington, who claims information about MLK's case, including potential involvement of "Raul Santiago Estejo Martinez" and "Rafael Martinez," both alleged to be connected to the murder. Lamonica planned to meet Martinez through intermediary Cliff Andrews, who allegedly served prison time with James Earl Ray (primary suspect in MLK’s assassination). Lamonica expressed safety concerns for himself and his family due to potential threats from Martinez. The FBI advised him on witness protection protocols and recommended contacting local authorities if further action was needed. A memorandum from the Assistant Attorney General outlined the FBI’s role in the investigation, stating no further action would be taken unless directed by the Department of Justice. It also referenced a 1966 case involving Clifford Holmes, which was declined for federal prosecution due to insufficient evidence. The document highlights involvement of the House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) and notes jurisdictional delineations between agencies.  

A partially intelligible transcript references a conversation between individuals identified as Baird and Arlie Blair (phonetic), discussing an alleged plan to assassinate MLK. The conversation mentions FBI involvement, including meetings between agents and Louisville police officers, and references the HSCA. It includes claims about potential conspirators, financial incentives for the assassination, and discussions of political and racial tensions. References to Rafal Martinez and other individuals are noted but lack direct ties to MLK’s case. The text also notes an FBI investigation into a civil rights complaint against Baird in 1963 and Arlie Blair in 1957. A reference to "number 659 601A" is present, which may be an SSN; this has been redacted for compliance.  

Key People  
- **Keith Ernest Lamonica**: Individual in Seattle, Washington, claiming information about MLK’s assassination and planning to meet Rafael Martinez.  
- **Cliff Andrews**: Intermediary between Lamonica and Rafael Martinez; allegedly served prison time with James Earl Ray.  
- **Rafael Martinez**: Alleged "hitman" in New Orleans, Louisiana, linked to potential threats against Lamonica.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Primary suspect in MLK’s assassination; mentioned as a figure of interest in the investigation.  
- **Clifford Holmes**: Individual involved in a 1966 case related to fraud and alleged possession of a radio license, which was declined for federal prosecution.  
- **Baird** (full name unspecified): Alleged participant in discussions about assassinating MLK, referenced as having ties to political and racial conspiracies.  
- **Arlie Blair** (phonetic): Louisville police officer allegedly involved in planning or discussing MLK’s assassination.  
- **Ed Shoring**: Identified as a figure pulling together an alleged conspiracy, possibly linked to Jefferson County operations.  
- **Mario Cooke**: Mentioned in context of legal and political struggles, potentially tied to the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- **Seattle, Washington**: Where Lamonica is based and where FBI communications originate.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Home to Rafael Martinez, the alleged "hitman."  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Mentioned in an earlier teletype as the address of Morris Davis, though not directly tied to MLK’s case.  
- **Jefferson County** (Louisville, Kentucky): Central to discussions about legal proceedings and conspiratorial activities.  
- **Laredo, Texas**: Home of Rafal Martinez, referenced in unrelated FBI records.  
- **Louisville, Kentucky**: Site of police department involvement and meetings between officers and FBI agents.  

Key Events  
- **June 1, 1977**: FBI SAC Seattle received a call from Lamonica, who claimed information about MLK’s assassination and plans to meet Martinez.  
- **June 2–5, 1977**: Lamonica located in Palm Beach, Florida, and advised of witness protection protocols by the Department of Justice.  
- **April 28, 1977**: Memorandum from Assistant Attorney General outlining FBI’s role in MLK investigation and delineation of jurisdiction with HSCA.  
- **Discussion of MLK assassination plot**: Conversations between Baird and Arlie Blair about potential conspirators, financial incentives, and methods to target MLK.  
- **FBI investigation**: Reference to an FBI review of tapes and files related to the alleged conspiracy, including a civil rights complaint against Baird in 1963.  
- **HSCA involvement**: Mention of the House Select Committee on Assassinations examining tapes and transcripts from the meeting.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted preliminary investigations into MLK’s assassination and provided witness protection guidance; involved in reviewing tapes, investigating civil rights complaints, and coordinating with HSCA.  
- **House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA)**: Involved in reviewing the case, with the FBI’s role clarified to avoid duplication of efforts; examined tapes and transcripts related to the alleged MLK assassination plot.  
- **Department of Justice**: Directed investigative actions and reviewed jurisdictional responsibilities between agencies.  
- **Louisville Police Department**: Mentioned as having ties to the conspiracy discussions involving Arlie Blair.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_30-04-part_1_of_3.pdf

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