</s>AT 44-2386 The Latent Fingerprint Section is requested to examine this material for any latent impressions and to compare any of value with suspects previously named in this case. 0 -2- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details FBI investigative efforts into the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on forensic analysis of physical evidence and suspect identification. Key items recovered included a .243 Winchester caliber Remington Model 700 rifle (serial number 283749) purchased by Harvey Lowmeyer, laundry tags from clothing found near the crime scene, and latent fingerprints collected from vehicles and locations linked to suspects. The FBI analyzed these items through its laboratory in Atlanta, comparing them with evidence such as a zipper bag containing binoculars and thermo-seal machine records tied to Textile Marking Company. Investigations traced Eric S. Galt, a suspect associated with a Birmingham address and vehicle ownership (a white Mustang registered in Alabama), but no conclusive identification was made. The FBI also examined firearm purchases, immigration records, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies like the Memphis Police Department and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). False police radio broadcasts about a white Mustang were considered potential hoaxes. Forensic analysis of the rifle indicated it had not been fired recently, while laundry tags were linked to specific manufacturing processes.  

Key People  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Suspected killer linked to a Birmingham motel stay (Rebel Motel), vehicle ownership (white Mustang with Alabama tag 1-3/89), and ties to Memphis.  
- **Harvey Lowmeyer**: Purchased the .243 Winchester rifle from Aeromarine Supply Company on March 29, 1968.  
- **Richard Berry Norton** (also known as Bobby Ray Graves): Suspect associated with KKK activities in South Carolina and linked to civil rights-related investigations.  
- **Harvey Lawyer**: Name used to purchase a rifle in Birmingham; referenced in firearm trace investigations.  
- **John Scott Canadian**: Alleged suspect sought in Mexico by Mexican Consulate, mentioned in connection with false police radio broadcasts.  
- **Lyra Ray Cleveland**: Arrested in Joplin, Missouri, and described as resembling the artist’s conception of the killer.  
- **Donald F. Wood** and **U.L. L. Matthew Baker**: Individuals whose fingerprints were compared to evidence but not conclusively matched.  
- **Karl Gal**: Listed as a relative of Eric S. Galt in Alabama driver’s license records.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of the assassination; locations include the Rebel Motel (Galt’s registered address) and areas where clothing items were recovered.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Site of rifle purchases, laundry tag investigations, and Galt’s registered address.  
- **Philadelphia, Pennsylvania**: Associated with laundry linked to crime scene clothing.  
- **Mexico**: Mentioned as a location for suspect John Scott Canadian.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Connected to Galt’s employment history and Karl Gal’s address.  
- **South Carolina**: Location of Richard Berry Norton’s residence (Boiling Springs) and KKK ties.  

Key Events  
- Forensic analysis confirmed the .243 Winchester rifle had not been fired recently.  
- Laundry tags from a T-shirt and undershorts were matched to thermo-seal machine records at Textile Marking Company.  
- Investigation into Galt’s movements included motel registration records, vehicle ownership, and safe deposit box activity in Birmingham.  
- Latent fingerprints found on the rifle and motel registration card were compared with suspects but no matches were confirmed.  
- False police radio broadcasts about a white Mustang pursued in Tennessee were considered potential hoaxes.  
- Coordination with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to check foreign nationals linked to the suspect.  
- Artist’s conception of the killer used to identify potential individuals, including Lyra Ray Cleveland.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Led forensic analysis, fingerprint comparisons, and investigative coordination across multiple locations.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Provided evidence and assistance in the investigation.  
- **Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)**: Checked records for foreign nationals linked to the suspect.  
- **Birmingham Trust National Bank**: Handled safe deposit box records tied to Galt’s activities.  
- **Textile Marking Company**: Manufacturer of the thermo-seal machine used to create laundry tags on recovered clothing.  
- **National Crime Information Center (NCIC)**: Used to track the white Mustang associated with the suspect.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_31-05-part_4_of_6.pdf

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