</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) FBI Date: Transmit the following in (Type in plaintext or code) Via (Priority) IP 44-563 PAGE THREE KNOXVILLE AT CHATTANOOGA, TENN , THROUGH RELATIVES ATTEMPT TO LOCATE AND INTERVIEW BRICKLEY. ARMED AND DANGEROUS. Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M. Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document compiles forensic and investigative findings related to the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray, the suspect initially charged with the crime. Key evidence includes latent fingerprints on items found at the scene, such as a plastic bottle of Mennen Afta Shaving Lotion, a Schlitz beer can with Mississippi tax markings, and a Channel Master radio receiver, all linked to Ray (FBI #405 G42). A bullet recovered from the victim was identified as a 30-caliber metal-jacketed "soft point" sporting type fired from a Remington 30-06 rifle, though its origin could not be definitively traced. A bedspread found in an abandoned Mustang near Memphis on April 4, 1968, was connected to laundry records from Los Angeles and Avion Cleaners, suggesting potential links between the killer’s movements and laundromat activities. Handwriting analysis compared Ray’s prison records, including a letter dated October 24, 1966, with other documents, noting similarities but no conclusive matches. The text also references Ray’s family members, including his parents (James Ray and Lucie Maher) and siblings, with conflicting information on their residences and relationships.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray** (FBI #405 G42): Linked to latent fingerprints on items found at the crime scene and connected to the Remington rifle used in the assassination. Name variations noted include RAYNES, RATNS, RYAN, and BERNES.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Handwriting samples attributed to him were compared with Ray’s handwriting but showed inconclusive similarities.  
- **Harvey Lowry (Lowery)**: Mentioned as a potential buyer of a Remington Model 760 rifle, though no definitive link to the assassination was established.  
- **James B. Ray**: Possibly a relative of James Earl Ray; a letter dated October 24, 1966, sent from Missouri was analyzed for handwriting comparisons.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of the abandoned Mustang and bedspread found on April 4, 1968.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Laundromat records (Home Service Laundry and Dry Cleaning) linked to laundry tags on items recovered from the crime scene.  
- **Alton, Illinois**: Birthplace of James Earl Ray’s father, James Ray; also mentioned as a location for Lucie Maher’s death.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Residences of family members, including John Eugene Garwon and the Grapevine Tavern operated by John Larry Ray.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Bedspread and laundry items found in an abandoned Mustang near Memphis, linked to laundromat records in Los Angeles.  
- **April 5, 1968**: An unknown white male parked at Capitol Homes in Atlanta, Georgia, observed by authorities.  
- **October 24, 1966**: Letter written by James B. Ray (possibly a relative) sent from Missouri, analyzed for handwriting comparisons.  
- **April 4, 1958**: Form signed by James Earl Ray obtained from U.S. Probation Officer in Kansas City, Missouri, used in handwriting analysis.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI Identification Division**: Conducted latent fingerprint and handwriting analyses on items linked to the assassination.  
- **Home Service Laundry and Dry Cleaning (Los Angeles)**: Provided laundry records connected to the bedspread and clothing found at the crime scene.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Source of handwriting samples attributed to James Earl Ray.  
- **U.S. Probation Officer, Kansas City, Missouri**: Provided a form signed by James Earl Ray for forensic analysis.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ip-563_404058_167-02-part_4_of_8.pdf

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