</s>(REV. 4:19:40) H. S. Department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILLD COURTESY OF THE U.S.A. (REV.) 4:49:40-0) FEDERAL BUREAU of INVESTIGATION Bureau File Number 44-3866/ Volume Number: SeP.IA Volume Schedule: ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL See also Nos. DECLASSIFICATION ALL INFORMATION CONTAMENT ARTERED, IS UNLACLABERED, DATE: 3/4/14.1 BY 5/14/18 BY S.P. See met Ual ROTOR No.4 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on individuals and events in Florida and Tennessee. On April 7-8, 1968, an informant (SA Charles M. Curry) reported that Richard Bristo, a resident of Gainesville, Florida, was contacted for questioning regarding his possible ties to a group of six men from Memphis who arrived in an Aztec plane on March 20, 1968. These individuals planned to fish but changed their minds after learning King would visit Memphis, with one man making a casual comment about killing King due to the disruption caused. The plane was last registered to the Memphis Machinery and Supply Company.  

Dr. Alvin Eugene French, a physician in Florida, was investigated for his activities around March 5-6, 1968, including interactions at a Holiday Inn motel. He claimed to support King’s movement but had no direct ties to the assassination. His social security number is noted as [SSN REDACTED].  

Dick Roberts of Gainesville, Florida, provided information about Don Rooks, a man with potential links to Memphis, including his possession of a white Ford Mustang and possible connections to the fire department in Memphis.  

Thomas Thoroman, a Seventh-day Adventist from Ohio, was identified as a suspect due to his religious views and alleged anti-King sentiments, though no direct evidence of racism or involvement was confirmed.  

The FBI directed offices to investigate individuals with names resembling "Lowryer" or "Lowyer," linked to a rifle found near the crime scene. Additionally, Father Vincent Crawford in Florida reported that Mrs. Virginia Forbes mentioned a man named Boatright, a carpenter who expressed dislike for King.  

Key People:  
- Richard Bristo (Gainesville, FL)  
- Dr. Alvin Eugene French (Florida)  
- Don Rooks (Gainesville, FL; Memphis, TN)  
- Thomas Thoroman (Ohio)  
- Mrs. Virginia Forbes (Fernandina Beach, FL)  
- Boatright (unidentified, Florida)  

Key Locations:  
- Gainesville, Florida  
- Memphis, Tennessee  
- Jacksonville, Florida  
- Orlando, Florida  
- Fernandina Beach, Florida  
- Ohio (specific location unspecified)  

Key Events:  
- June 1968: Six men from Memphis arrived in an Aztec plane in Florida; one made a comment about killing King.  
- March 5-6, 1968: Dr. Alvin Eugene French’s motel activities and interactions with staff.  
- April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.  
- FBI investigations into potential suspects, including rifle ownership and religious affiliations.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offices in Jacksonville, Tampa, Atlanta, and Memphis  
- Memphis Machinery and Supply Company (Memphis, TN)  
- Holiday Inn motels (Orlando, FL; Memphis, TN)

MLK Declassified Files

44-jk-769_739798_01-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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