</s>FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-78) FBI TRANSMIT VIA: PRECEDENCE: CLASSIFICATION: Teletype Immediate TOP SECRET Teletype Priority SECRET Airtel Routine CONFIDENTIAL EFTO CLEAR Date PAGE SIX, KC 44-760, UNCLAS EFTO WILSON. (3) WILL ATTEMPT THROUGH FORMER NEIGHBORS AND ASSOCIATES, TO ESTABLISH WILSONS WHEREABOUTS DURING CRITICAL PERIOD, APRIL 1968. (4) WILL ATEMPT TO LOCATE EXISTANCE OF JULIE TRADE SHOP ON WALNUT STREET TO ESTABLISH EXISTANCY OF INDIVIDUAL AS DESCRIBED BY WILISON IN RE TEL. BT Approved: Transmitted (Number) (Time) Per GPO | 1977 O- 223-339 2029 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14776

Summary:  
The documents detail an FBI investigation into BURGESS AUDIE WILSON’s alleged involvement in the assassination of MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Wilson turned himself in to Memphis, Tennessee, authorities on August 18, 1976, confessing to murder charges related to King’s death. The inquiry focuses on Wilson’s access to a Bonanza airplane purchased from DON FISHER in 1968, which he allegedly used for travel. Testimonies from Fisher, MITCH ZAMAR (a jeweler associated with WILSON and LOU CREWS), and others describe Wilson’s connections to jewelry stores, his alleged possession of a Japanese sniper rifle, and his character as a con man and heavy drinker. Records indicate Lou Crews died in 1922, though the text mentions his death in 1968 (likely an error). The investigation also explores Wilson’s business dealings, including disputes with Crews over jewelry store operations and his use of a Thunderbird car.  

Key People:  
- **BURGESS AUDIE WILSON**: Alleged assassin of MLK; turned himself in to Memphis authorities in 1976.  
- **DON FISHER**: Sold Wilson the Bonanza airplane in 1968; testified about rental agreements and training programs.  
- **MITCH ZAMAR**: Jeweler linked to Wilson and Crews; denied providing a Japanese sniper rifle.  
- **LOU CREWS**: Deceased jewelry store owner; business disputes with Wilson mentioned.  

Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of Wilson’s surrender to authorities.  
- **Kansas City, Missouri**: Central to investigations involving Fisher, Zamar, and jewelry stores.  
- **Grandview, Missouri**: Wilson’s residence and location of his former jewelry store.  

Events:  
- Wilson’s 1976 confession to murdering MLK.  
- Investigation into Wilson’s access to the Bonanza airplane and its use for travel.  
- Testimonies about Wilson’s business dealings, including disputes with Crews and alleged weapon possession.  
- Examination of Wilson’s character as a con man and heavy drinker.  

Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted investigations into Wilson’s activities.  
- **Veterans Administration**: Mentioned in context of aircraft usage records.  
- **Local law enforcement agencies**: Provided information on Wilson’s business and personal history.

MLK Declassified Files

44-kc-760_404058_173-04-part_4_of_5.pdf

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