</s>FBI LOS ANG FBI ST LOUIS 950PM URGENT 5-9-68 JHH TO1 DIRECTOR MEMPHIS CHICAGO LOSANGELES OMAHA FROM: ST. LOUis (444-775) MURKIN FOR ASSISTANCE OFFICES NOT RECEIVING PREVIOUS INFO, JOHN EUGENE GAWRON, FBI NUMBER ONE THREE THREE FOUR, LIVED WITH SUBJECT MOTHER BETWEEN IMPRISONMENTS NINETEEN FIFTY FOUR TO HER DEATH NINeteen SIXTY ONE. APPEARS CLOSEST PERSON TO FAMILY. CLAIMS TAUGHT SUBJECT BURGLARY AND CASED SEVERAL JOBS TOGETHER FIFTH FIFTEY FIFTTY NINE. UNDER DEVELOPMENT ON PCI SINCE INITIAL INTERVIEW THIS CASE. IS SEVENTY YEARS OLD, ON VERGE OF SENILITY, EXTREMELY RAMBLING IN CONVERSATIONS, AND AGENTS EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY KEEPING INTERVIEWS ON PERTINENT TRACK, AS WELL AS SEPARATING FACT FROM CONJECTURE. JERRY HAS DESCRIED HIM AS KOOK, AND OTHER SOURCES REGARD HIMAS CRAZY OLD MAN WHO TALKES TOO MUCH. ON INTERVIEW TODAY GAWON STATED WITHIN DAY OR TWO FOLLOWING RELEASE ON BOND, JUNE TWENTY THIRD TWENTLY FOURTH SIXTEEN, HE READ IN CHICACO TRIBUNE OF BANK ROBBERY OF FIFTIY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN SOUTHERN STATE, AND RECALLED BANK HAD BEEN CASED BY SUBJECT AND SELF ON TWO FRIDAYS, BIG PAY ROLL DAYS, FIFTV EIGHT FIFTY NINEE, BUT NOT ROBBED DUE TO GAWN LEG INJURY. END PAGE ONE 44-15-72-1242

Summary  
The documents consist of declassified FBI records from the 1960s related to the investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and the subsequent pursuit of James Earl Ray, who was later convicted for the crime. The files include surveillance reports, informant notes, coordination logs between agencies, psychological assessments, and search warrants. Key elements highlight FBI efforts to track Ray’s movements in cities like Los Angeles, Memphis, and Atlanta, his alleged associations with informants such as Florence Holloway Simpkins, and the "ARMED AND DANGEROUS" designation reflecting heightened concerns about his threat level. The records also reference Ray’s alleged criminal history, including check fraud and drunk driving, and his connections to individuals described as having ties to the assassination. Unrelated administrative documents, such as tax forms and vehicle registration notices, are noted as artifacts of the time period.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of MLK’s assassination; referred to by aliases like "Fisher" or "Eric Starvo Galt."  
- **Florence Holloway Simpkins**: Informant who provided statements about Ray’s movements and alleged criminal behavior.  
- **Earl** and **Paul**: Brothers allegedly associated with Ray, described as having traveled to Los Angeles.  

Key Locations  
- **Los Angeles**: Sites of surveillance (e.g., *Vegas on Hollywood Blvd*, *Rabbit’s Foot* bar) and Ray’s residence at the *St. Francis Hotel*.  
- **Memphis**: Location of MLK’s assassination on April 4, 1968.  
- **Atlanta**: Mentioned in context of Ray’s movements and FBI coordination.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Assassination of MLK Jr. in Memphis.  
- **April 25, 1968**: FBI and California Department of Corrections collaboration to investigate the murder.  
- **Surveillance operations**: Monitoring bars and establishments to gather information on Ray’s activities.  
- **Psychological assessments**: Notes on Ray’s mental state and behavior, including consultations with psychiatrists.  
- **"ARMED AND DANGEROUS" designation**: Highlighting Ray’s perceived threat level during his flight from justice.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI**: Central agency conducting surveillance, coordination, and investigations.  
- **California Department of Corrections**: Collaborated with the FBI on the investigation.  
- **Local law enforcement agencies** (e.g., SACRAMENTO, MEMPHIS): Involved in tracking Ray.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_003-05-part_4_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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