</s>FD-36 (Key, 5-22-64) FBI Date: 4/19/68 Transmit the following in PLAIN Type in plantex code) TELETYPE (URGENT) Via (Priority) TO: SAC, LOUISVILLE FROM: SAC_LOS ANGELES (44-1577) MURKIN APRIL NINETEEN INSTANT, MAN RESEMBLING ERIC GALT. TURNED IN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS IN WRAPPED CHANGE FOR BILLS AT SECURITY FIRST NATIONAL BANK, FORTY NINTH AND WESTERN, LOS ANGELES, REPUISING TO FURNISH LOCAL ADDRESS SAYING HE WAS VISITING FROM INDIANA. LISTED NAME ROY OR RAY LENT ON WRAPPER. LEFT VINCITY OF BANK IN LIGHT GREEN PONTIAC, KENTUCKY LICENSE L FOUR FIVE SIX FOUR ZERO. LOUISVILLA DETERMINER OWNER AND SET FORTH LEADS TO DETERMINATE IF IDENTICAL TO C James Earl Reyjakta SEARCHED - 1 444-1574 INDEXED LMS/kaf SERIALIZED (1) FILED Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per: 44-157.4.23 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential threats against Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and the activities of James Earl Ray (JER), a suspect linked to MLK’s assassination. JER’s movements, employment history, and associations were scrutinized between 1967 and 1968. He stayed at the Garden Grove Motel in California under false names ("James Stilles" or "Bill Stills") during October 1967, driving a Thunderbird with an Ohio license plate (SEVENZERO ONE RIGHT T). The FBI cross-referenced his travel plans to Seattle and Idaho, noting he had previously worked for Louise M. Barron in St. Petersburg, Florida, though employment verification was inconclusive. Psychological consultations with Dr. Mark O. Freeman in Los Angeles (November–December 1967) revealed JER’s shyness and interest in self-hypnosis for social confidence, with financial stability indicated by cash payments and a money order.  

Separate FBI efforts tracked Jimmie K. Davis, a suspect with a military ID card and vehicle ownership records, noting discrepancies in birth dates between Davis and Eric Starvo Gait. A mole on Davis’s cheekbone was identified as a distinguishing feature. The investigation also referenced a 1967 white Mustang with VIN POL1913 linked to Oklahoma City and attempts to locate an individual named "Galt" through TV set descriptions. James Earl Ray was arrested in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for vagrancy on April 18, 1968, with records indicating prior arrests for illegal entry in Los Angeles and military service. His claimed association with Bill Holland and possession of silver during arrest were noted.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (JER): Central suspect; arrested in Iowa for vagrancy, linked to MLK assassination investigation; described as shrewd with a scar on his left hairline.  
- Jimmie K. Davis: Suspect with military ID card, vehicle ownership records, and physical description including a mole on his cheekbone.  
- Eric Starvo Gait: Discrepancy in birth dates compared to Davis.  
- Dr. Mark O. Freeman: Psychologist who treated JER for self-hypnosis and social confidence issues; associated with University of Illinois, Zurich, and Southern California.  
- Louise M. Barron: Insured Driveaway System agent in St. Petersburg, Florida, linked to JER’s prior employment.  
- Larry Peters: Insured Driveaway System agent in Garden Grove, California, who reported on JER’s activities.  
- Walter A. Willard: Identified through fingerprint analysis as not matching "Galt."  
- Berylles Bumper Service: Oklahoma City business associated with Davis.  

Key Locations:  
- Garden Grove, California: Motel where JER stayed in October 1967; location of Insured Driveaway System office.  
- St. Petersburg, Florida: JER’s prior employment with Louise M. Barron.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Mentioned in context of FBI cross-referencing license plates and individuals.  
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Location of Berylles Bumper Service linked to Davis; 1967 white Mustang with VIN POL1913.  
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Site of JER’s arrest for vagrancy on April 18, 1968.  
- New Albany, Mississippi: Davis’s birthplace.  
- Tullahoma, Tennessee: Davis’s address.  
- Los Angeles, California: FBI operations and JER’s prior arrest for illegal entry.  

Key Events:  
- JER’s stay at the Garden Grove Motel (October 1967) under false names; FBI tracked his travel plans to Seattle and Idaho.  
- Psychological consultations with Dr. Freeman noted JER’s financial stability despite claiming unemployment.  
- FBI investigation into potential threats against MLK, including tracking suspects like Davis and Ray.  
- Arrest of James Earl Ray in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for vagrancy on April 18, 1968; records indicated prior arrests and military service.  
- Attempts to verify Ray’s identity through fingerprint analysis and background checks.  
- Search for a 1967 white Mustang linked to Oklahoma City and Davis.  
- FBI efforts to locate "Galt" via TV set descriptions and public inquiries.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted surveillance, interviews, and cross-referenced records; offices in Los Angeles, Omaha, Atlanta involved.  
- Insured Driveaway System: Provided employment history and travel information on JER.  
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office (Iowa): Handled Ray’s arrest and subsequent records.  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Mentioned as a contact point for interviews.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_002-04-part_3_of_3.pdf

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