</s>FD-245 (GREY. 4:15:60) 4 1172 Hempghn. S. E. department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REM. VED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED) DO NOT ESTROY FEDERAL BUREAU FOR HISTORICAL DO NOT DESTROY - DECLASSIFICATION DO NOT STRIP of LIGATION INVESTIGATION Volume Number: Serialle Bureau File Number 44-38/6/1 ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED DO NOT DISTROY SERIAL: UNCHASTERED DATE: $2/20/20-SPICUOL PRESERVE FOR SELECT 2.50. Three: 1351 2.30. Three.1351 COMMITTEE ON ASSINATION See also Nos. 1A Exhibit Sud A. Orgy 302's 3 "B Resipaper Allapping "B Reisipaper Memos Wlanes 5/19/76 5/10/76 Weaver 4/38/76 Houne 4/15/76 Www.W.Ww.18-10848 2015 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14/16

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into fingerprint evidence linking James Earl Ray to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a focus on George Bonebrake’s role as an FBI Identification Division examiner. Bonebrake conducted fingerprint training seminars in Wichita, Kansas, for law enforcement officers between September 1966 and November 1968, during which he discussed the James Earl Ray case. These sessions included analysis of latent fingerprints found at the Memphis, Tennessee crime scene, which were matched to Ray’s prints from Missouri State Penitentiary. Bonebrake testified in London, England, regarding these fingerprints as part of an extradition hearing for Ray, who had been arrested there. The FBI emphasized confidentiality around the case, instructing participants not to discuss it outside training sessions. Media presence during seminars was noted, with journalists such as Bernie Ward from the Wichita Beacon attending breaks but not engaging directly with Bonebrake about the RAY case. Legal actions included contempt citations against defense attorneys and journalists for violating court orders restricting pre-trial publicity. The FBI also investigated potential discriminatory practices at federal prisons in Springfield, Missouri, involving individuals like EVANS and JAMES V. CALLAHAN, though no direct connection to MLK’s assassination was established.  

Key People  
- **George Bonebrake**: FBI Identification Division examiner; testified in London regarding fingerprints linking James Earl Ray to MLK’s assassination.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Accused assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; his fingerprints were central to the FBI’s case against him.  
- **W. Preston Battle**: Memphis Criminal Court Judge presiding over Ray’s trial.  
- **Arthur J. Hanes**: Defense attorney for James Earl Ray.  
- **Bernie Ward**: Wichita Beacon reporter present during training sessions.  
- **EVANS** (involved in Springfield prison disciplinary hearings).  
- **JAMES V. CALLAHAN** (prison staff member interviewed about potential threats).  
- **Morris HERRON, Charles F. STEWART, Elmer R. FLETCHER**: Wichita law enforcement officers who attended fingerprint training sessions.  

Key Locations  
- **Wichita, Kansas**: Site of FBI fingerprint training seminars conducted between 1966 and 1968.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Location of the crime scene where fingerprints were found on a weapon linked to James Earl Ray.  
- **London, England**: Where Bonebrake testified in connection with the extradition hearing for James Earl Ray.  
- **Springfield, Missouri**: U.S. Penitentiary site of FBI investigations into potential discriminatory practices.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Location of Missouri State Penitentiary where James Earl Ray’s fingerprints were recorded.  

Key Events  
- **Fingerprint training sessions (1966–1968)**: Conducted by the FBI for law enforcement officers in Wichita; included discussions of the James Earl Ray case and forensic evidence analysis.  
- **Extradition hearing in London, England**: Bonebrake testified about fingerprints linking Ray to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Contempt citations against defense attorneys and journalists**: For violating court orders restricting media coverage of the trial.  
- **Media presence during training sessions**: Reporters attended breaks but did not engage with Bonebrake about the RAY case.  
- **FBI investigations into Springfield prison practices (1968)**: Included interviews with staff and legal representatives, though no direct link to MLK’s assassination was found.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted fingerprint training, handled the James Earl Ray case, and investigated prison practices in Springfield, Missouri.  
- **Wichita Police Department**: Hosted fingerprint training sessions; officers participated in discussions about forensic evidence.  
- **Memphis Criminal Court**: Presided over trial proceedings related to James Earl Ray’s extradition and contempt charges.  
- **Wichita Beacon newspaper**: Media outlet with reporters present during training sessions.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City, Missouri)**: Site where James Earl Ray’s fingerprints were recorded prior to his alleged involvement in MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_173-02-part_1_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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