</s>PD 157-183 ME 44-1987 REVIEW OF ITSMY CASES FOR CARS STOLEN IN GEORGIA SINCE MARCH 23, 1965 A review was made on April 29, 1968 of the 24 pending and closed files concerning cars recovered in the State of Oregon from March 23, 1968 through April 26, 1968. No cases were located concerning vehicles stolen from the State of Georgia. -32- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail various investigative efforts related to the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on Oregon-based law enforcement activities. A review of car theft cases in Georgia (March 23, 1965–April 26, 1968) found no relevant cases. Oregon drivers' license records were checked for males born between specific dates, leading to the identification of James Earl Ray as "Eric Starv," though this lead was discontinued after the birth date became irrelevant. An All Points Bulletin (APB) was issued for Eric Starvo Galt and a 1966 white Mustang (license plate 1-33893, VIN 6707C190647) on April 11, 1968, but later canceled. Oregon vital statistics records were reviewed for names like Eric Starvo Galt, John Willard, and Harvey Lowyer, with no matches found. Financial institutions in Oregon were checked for accounts under these names, yielding negative results. Interviews with individuals at the Hotel Rio Puerto Vallarta in Mexico (October–November 1967) confirmed they had not seen James Earl Ray. A bank robbery case in Portland, Oregon (August 11, 1967) was linked to Ray, though the witness did not recognize him from a photo. Thermo Seal Marking Tapes found on laundry items from the Mustang were investigated, with no businesses confirming their use. A file destruction order was issued for records related to this case.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (identified as "Eric Starv")  
- Eric Starvo Galt (suspect linked to Ray)  
- Harvey Lowyer (investigated as a suspect)  
- Ronald E. Sherk (investigator)  
- Vern F. Davis (inquiry into vehicle registration)  

Key Locations:  
- Portland, Oregon (law enforcement offices, financial institutions)  
- Salem, Oregon (Motor Vehicle Division, Bureau of Identification)  
- Hotel Rio Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City (interviews conducted in 1967)  
- Oregon State Police Department, Klamath Falls  

Key Events:  
- Issuance and cancellation of APB for Eric Starvo Galt and a white Mustang (April 11, 1968)  
- Review of Oregon drivers' license records for suspects (April 16–20, 1968)  
- Interviews with Hotel Rio Puerto Vallarta guests (April 30, 1968)  
- Investigation into Thermo Seal Marking Tapes found on laundry items from the Mustang (April 19–26, 1968)  
- Review of unsolved Oregon bank robbery cases (April 24, 1969)  

Key Organizations:  
- Oregon State Bureau of Identification  
- Oregon Motor Vehicle Division  
- Portland Office (FBI or law enforcement)  
- Financial institutions in Oregon  
- U.S. Government Printing Office (file destruction order)

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_171-03-part_9_of_9.pdf

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