</s>FD-245 (Rev. 4:15.60) H. S. Department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) CLARIFORDATION NO. ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED DECLASSIFICATION HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED DATE: 2/2/20.1 (LY: September) 44-5/63 FEDERAL BUREAU DO NOT DESTROY: of HISTORICIAL VALUE, NATIONAL ARCHIVES INVESTIGATION Seattle Vol. No. Number: Bureau File Number 44-3/86/ DO NOT DESTROY - PERUING LITIGATION See also Nos. per Aug 32/23 perf 907 (C) (f) 11-5603 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray as a suspect. Key elements include Ray’s arrest in 1968, FBI efforts to track his movements via flight records (e.g., American Airlines Flight 338), and witness accounts such as Missy Fox’s train sighting in Kentucky. Mrs. Strader’s testimony is highlighted, describing her husband witnessing a car with two men near the Gulf Truck Stop in Tennessee, including a note referencing MLK’s assassination. The FBI’s multi-city coordination across offices in Indianapolis, Memphis, Louisville, Philadelphia, and Springfield is noted, along with administrative actions like document releases under Executive Order 14176. Miscellaneous entries include unrelated cases (e.g., rental car disputes) and form submissions from Louisiana businesses linked to Strader.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; FBI photographs released in 1968, including a Mexico-based image.  
- **Robert Strader**: Allegedly aware of the assassination plot; attempted contact with FBI agents, expressed fear of being followed, and had ties to Louisiana businesses.  
- **Joseph Elmer Austin**: Suspect whose death was unverified; referenced in FBI files with Illinois prison connections and family members like Charles Austin.  
- **Carl Stern**: NBC correspondent contacted by Strader; involved in discussions about MLK’s assassination.  
- **Donald T. Sullivan**: FBI agent who interacted with Strader regarding potential meetings.  
- **Raymond Starns**: Louisiana resident connected to Strader, mentioned in context of Baton Rouge business activities.  

Key Locations  
- **Gulf Truck Stop, Lebanon, Tennessee**: Site of alleged car sighting linked to MLK’s assassination plot.  
- **Lexington, Illinois**: Strader’s residence; interactions with family members and FBI contacts.  
- **Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, Louisiana**: Areas tied to Strader’s business connections and alleged involvement in the assassination.  
- **Springfield, Illinois**: FBI office referenced in files about Robert Strader and Joseph Elmer Austin.  
- **Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis, St. Louis**: Locations of FBI field offices involved in investigations.  

Key Events  
- **April 28, 1968**: Strader returned to the CARMICHAEL residence in Lexington, Illinois, after an argument with his mother-in-law.  
- **Release of James Earl Ray’s photographs**: FBI distributed images of Ray in 1968, including a Mexico-based photo and one from California.  
- **FBI investigations into Joseph Elmer Austin**: Efforts to verify Austin’s death, locate him, and interview associates like his brother Charles.  
- **Strader’s alleged involvement in MLK’s assassination**: Discussions about his awareness of the plot, attempts to contact FBI agents, and fear of surveillance.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Central agency conducting multi-city investigations; offices in Springfield, Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis, and St. Louis.  
- **NBC (National Broadcasting Company)**: Mentioned as an organization connected to Carl Stern’s role in the investigation.  
- **St. Leonard’s House**: Illinois facility referenced in files about Joseph Elmer Austin’s family and case workers.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ip-563_404058_167-02-part_1_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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