</s>KC 44-760 JAM:Jh1h The following investigation was conducted by SA JAMES A. MITCHELL: AT SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI: LAWRENCE ALBERT GRIDER On May 21, 1968, LAWRENCE ALBRENT GRIDER was contracted at 15103 North Lyon, at which time he stated that he was just at 15104 North Lyon at which he stated the state penitentiary, JeffersonCity, Missouri, from the Missouri State Penitentiary. serving 31 months from the American Civil War. He stated that while he was at the prison he did know JAMES EARL RAY on the state of Missouri. He knew that he didn't know that he did not know that He stated that he never had any intimate conversations with RAY at any time and that he adopted the policy that he was problems at the institution. He also had no bother about anyone else's at length about anything and RAY never told him anything about himself. He started that he absolutely no about himself, that he stated he was absolutely no committed that he thought that much of the information turnedished by imitates at the prisoner was manufactured and that too much reliance could hot be placed upon it. SEARCHED. NOXED. SERIALIZED. MAY 5/8/69 FEB - KANSAS CITY michelle H. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document comprises FBI internal investigative records from May–June 1968, detailing efforts to track James Earl Ray’s movements, associates, and potential involvement in criminal activities linked to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4, 1968). Key elements include evidence recovery such as a Stevens Model 94 shotgun, clothing items (e.g., a gray felt hat from "Men's Style Shop, Gray & Wilson, Mayfield, Ky."), and laundry markings tied to Ray. The FBI conducted interviews with suspects like Ralph Renfro and Emma Jean Whipple, explored mail forwarding services, and tracked post office box usage. References include a passport application for George Sneyd linked to Toronto, Canada, and inquiries into Paul Bridgmans’ prison contacts at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP). Surveillance activities in Syracuse, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, are noted, alongside follow-ups on Ray’s potential travel plans via BOAC. The documents reflect the FBI’s systematic approach to evidence management and tracking suspects during heightened political tensions following MLK’s assassination.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (central suspect)  
- George Sneyd (linked to passport application in Toronto)  
- Paul Bridgmans (former MSP inmate with alleged smuggling ties)  
- Wayne Rothberg (alleged smuggler associated with Bridgmans)  
- Ralph Renfro (brother of Curtis Renfro, mentioned in Kansas City investigation)  
- Charles Beagle (arrested in Lexington, KY)  

Key Locations  
- Mayfield, Kentucky (hat shop linked to Ray)  
- Toronto, Canada (Sneyd’s residence and passport application)  
- Kansas City, Missouri (prison records, FBI divisions)  
- Syracuse, New York (Civil Guard Hotel reference)  
- Dallas, Texas (Bridgmans’ employment history)  
- Springfield, Illinois (Bridgmans’ arrest)  

Key Events  
- Investigation into clothing and laundry markings linked to Ray  
- Passport application for George Sneyd with ties to Toronto  
- FBI inquiries into Paul Bridgmans’ prison contacts and smuggling allegations  
- Surveillance activities in Syracuse and Kansas City  
- Follow-up on James Earl Ray’s potential movements via BOAC travel  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) divisions (Kansas City, Sacramento, Cincinnati)  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)  
- Kengian Travel Agency (linked to Sneyd’s passport application)  
- Local law enforcement agencies (Lexington PD, Kansas City PD)

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_172-02-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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