</s>OPTIONAL FORM NO. 19 SID-10-18 DAY, JULY 18, 1978 DAY, JUNE 18, 1979 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO : SAC, LOS ANGELES (44-1574) DATE: 5/9/68 FROM : SA DENNIS C. LEMASTER SUBJECT: MURKIN 4/20/68. Re Los Angeles memo of SA H. LA MARR GUNN dated RUTH WILLIAMS, Clerk, Gala Merchandise Corporation, 376 South Los Angeles, Los Angeles. California, RUTH WILLIAMS. Clerk, Gala Merchandise Corporaton, was shown photographs of JAMES EARL RAY. Not stated that the individual in these photographs does not appear to be the same individual that she saw on 4/20/.20/20. FRED MUTHER, Manager, GalA Merchandise Corp. 376 South Angeles Street, Los ANGELES, California. Corporation, shown photographs that she said, Los Angels, California, was individual photos in the photographs appear similar to the individual that he observed on 4 /20/08, with RUTH WILLILLIANS. of the Midnight Mission located at 396 Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles. MITTNER said that he has not seen this individual subject to 6/20./20/60. Department of Employment, Clerk. California State, 396 South East of Los Angeles located at the Midnight Mission, ALFRED G. MORRIS, Clark, California State 396 South of Emp. E.M.MORRIS. MUTTER said that the midnight Mission. photographs of JAMES EARLRAY and asked if these appear similiar to any individual who has had recent similar to any individuals who have had recent that this individual does not happen similar to anyindividuals that he knows or has not recent business dealings with. MorRIS or if he sees any individual Los Angeles that state Immediately if he has had not seen business dealings within. Employment Agency living description of JAME EARL Ray. 4K-15774-82 DCL/karf SEARCHED SEARCH- (2) 1968 FCI-LOS A.A. Lee J. J.45-45- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of **FBI internal memoranda** from May 1968 detailing the agency's investigation into **James Earl Ray**, a suspect in the assassination of civil rights leader **Martin Luther King Jr.** The memos focus on tracking Ray after his arrest, verifying leads from informants, and addressing uncertainties about his involvement. Key themes include the FBI’s reliance on descriptions of Ray (e.g., height, weight, clothing), concerns over potential look-alikes, and coordination with local authorities and media across multiple jurisdictions. The documents also highlight broader questions about Ray’s role in the assassination, including speculation about possible conspiracies or external connections.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central suspect in MLK’s assassination; arrested in 1968 and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy, though he maintained innocence.  
- **Kenneth R. Mc Bane** and **Glenn Alvin Platz**: Informants who provided leads about Ray’s whereabouts or connections.  
- **Kenneth Lee Wade**: Former inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary who claimed to have known Ray and speculated on his possible ties to organized crime or political groups.  
- **RAY PRUITT**, **BOBBY BURNS**, and **GLEN SHURNICK**: Other inmates mentioned as potential associates of Ray, linked to prison riots, drug trafficking, or escape plans.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary** (MSP): Site of Ray’s incarceration prior to his 1968 arrest; referenced in inmate connections and prison-related activities.  
- **Los Angeles County Courts**: Mentioned as a location for record checks related to Ray’s legal history.  
- **McNeil Island Prison** (Washington): Referenced in FBI investigations into Ray’s potential ties to other inmates or escape plans.  
- **Canada**: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were contacted to investigate two elderly women who visited Ray while he lived in Montreal.  

Key Events  
- **FBI search for James Earl Ray**: Efforts to locate Ray after his arrest, including tracking sightings and verifying informants’ claims.  
- **Verification of leads**: FBI sought to confirm connections between Ray and other individuals, including inmates and potential conspirators.  
- **Coordination with local authorities**: Agencies in California, Mexico, and Memphis collaborated on the investigation.  
- **Speculation about conspiracy**: Documents note uncertainty over whether Ray acted alone or if others were involved, reflecting broader public and governmental doubts.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central agency conducting the investigation into Ray’s movements and potential connections.  
- **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)**: Involved in investigating Ray’s associates who resided in Canada.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Site of inmate interactions referenced in the investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_003-05-part_2_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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