</s>INVESTIGATION CONCERNING THE LOCAL WINGER, P.O. Box 3902, DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA (90242) In connection with the investigation of The Local Swinger, 2.0. Box 3802, Downey, California, a correspondence club, JAMES S. O'DOWD AND ANN L. L. E. EYERS, sponsors of the club, advised an May 2, 1968 that they recall having sent a list of local wingers to ERIC S. GALT in February 1968.

Summary: The documents detail an FBI investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray's movements and alleged connections. Key elements include Ray's travel routes between Memphis, Tennessee; Belle Glade, Florida; and Los Angeles, California, via private plane and bus. Ray is described as staying in motels, using a blue Buick with Alabama plates, and interacting with associates like Samuel Lewis (a backup man) and Eddie Wilburn (who allegedly drove him). The investigation notes Ray's possible ties to the KKK, his alleged purchase of a Ford Thunderbird, and his use of aliases. Informants such as "Bob" provided information about Ray's activities, including phone calls from Memphis to Belle Glade and financial transactions involving weapons and travel. The FBI sought to verify these claims through local contacts, credit records, and surveillance, while also considering potential connections to Cuba and other locations.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (alleged assassin of MLK Jr.)  
- Samuel Lewis (backup man associated with Ray)  
- George A. Legg (individual mentioned in connection to Ray's movements)  
- Eddie Wilburn (alleged driver for Ray)  
- "Bob" (informant providing details about Ray’s activities)  
- Lamon Anderson (Western Union employee linked to Ray)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (Ray’s alleged residence and departure point)  
- Belle Glade, Florida (private plane destination)  
- Los Angeles, California (Ray’s suspected travel route and hotel stays)  
- Kansascity, Missouri (home of a suspect house described in detail)  
- Cuba (potential connection via William Pierce’s airport ownership)  

Key Events:  
- Ray’s alleged flight from Memphis to Belle Glade on April 4, 1968.  
- Ray’s stay at the Clark Hotel in Los Angeles on April 17–18.  
- Investigation into Ray’s purchase of a Ford Thunderbird and use of a blue Buick.  
- Financial transactions involving weapons bought under false names.  
- Surveillance efforts to verify Ray’s movements and associations, including credit card usage and phone calls.  

Key Organizations:  
- FBI (conducting the investigation)  
- Western Union (linked to Lamon Anderson’s employment)  
- KKK (theoretical connection to Ray)  
- Local law enforcement agencies (Cincinnati, New Orleans, St. Louis, etc.)

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_003-06-part_4_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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