</s>H. S. Department of Justice MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THEPLED DO NOT DESTROYED HTSORICAL VALUE, NATIONAL ARCHIVES VOL.8 CLOSED FILES CONTROL NUMBER LOS ANGELES DIVISION 0-00000000-99087 DERAL BUREAU 10024540 INVESTIGATION Ser. 1400-1550 Bureau File Number 44-3861/ DO NOT DISTROY - PRESERVE FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS DO NOT DESTROY See also No. HISTORICALVALUE NATIONALARCHIVES DO NOT DESTROY PENDING LITIGATION 101/115 ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED FOR HISTORICAL BATE NOT JOT (9V) CO-Cebonde DECLASSIFICATION Rue (12-10-19) Todos: 18-1451 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details FBI investigations into James Earl Ray (JER)’s activities between November 1967 and March 1968, focusing on his alleged involvement in Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Ray’s movements, associations with Charles J. Stein, Louis Lomax, Rita Stein, and Marie Martin are documented, including a 1967 trip to New Orleans where voter registration activities occurred. The FBI examined an anonymous letter to the *Los Angeles Times* identifying Ray as MLK’s assassin, who allegedly received $3,000 for the act. Ray’s financial transactions, communications (e.g., phone calls from Los Angeles and Canadian money orders), and alleged ties to the John Birch Society, American Independent Party, and mail-order businesses were investigated. A 1966 Mustang found in Atlanta contained materials linked to Ray, including a cardboard piece with “Gather Day” notes. The FBI also explored potential sightings of Ray in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and interviewed individuals like Eric S. Galt (Ray’s alias) for further details.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray (JER)**: Fugitive linked to MLK’s assassination; subject of extensive FBI investigations.  
- **Charles J. Stein**: Provided information about Ray’s movements, including a 1967 trip to New Orleans and interactions with Marie Martin.  
- **Louis Lomax**: Journalist and associate of Ray; allegedly involved in disseminating information about the assassination.  
- **Rita Stein**: Sister of Charles J. Stein; mentioned in phone call records and as a potential informant.  
- **Marie Martin**: Provided details about Ray’s interactions, including clothing transfers to his New Orleans contacts.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Alias for James Earl Ray; referenced in correspondence and interviews.  
- **Dyrell Dennis**: Blonde female reportedly associated with Ray via Louis Lomax; described as a narcotic user and prostitute.  
- **Edgar John Pendleton**: Hotel resident who interacted with Dennis, SELMA (possibly a variant of Ray’s name), and provided descriptions of both.  

Key Locations  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Primary location for Ray’s activities, including residences at 1535 North Serrano Avenue and the Sultan Room hotel.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Site of Ray’s alleged trips to meet contacts like Marie Martin; voter registration activities occurred here.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Mexico**: Investigated for potential sightings of Ray during October–November 1967.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Location of an abandoned 1966 Mustang containing materials linked to Ray.  
- **St. Francis Hotel, Los Angeles**: Where interviews with bar staff (e.g., James Morrison) occurred regarding Dennis and SELMA.  

Key Events  
- **December 16, 1967**: Charles J. Stein reported a phone call with Ray at a Houston, Texas, gas station.  
- **April–May 1968**: FBI interviews with Stein and others regarding Ray’s movements, associates, and alleged connections to the John Birch Society.  
- **Letter to *Los Angeles Times***: Anonymously sent letter identifying Ray as MLK’s assassin; examined by FBI for handwriting analysis.  
- **Investigation of 1966 Mustang**: Abandoned car in Atlanta found with materials linked to Ray, including a cardboard piece with “Gather Day” notes.  
- **Trip to New Orleans (December 1967)**: Charles Stein and Eric Galt traveled by white Ford Mustang with Alabama license plates; encountered snowstorm during return journey.  
- **Voter registration activities**: Conducted in New Orleans, involving Ray, Stein, Marie Martin, and Lorraine Callaway.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted extensive investigations into Ray’s activities, associates, and financial transactions.  
- **John Birch Society**: Mentioned as an organization Ray was allegedly associated with.  
- **American Independent Party**: Linked to Ray through his alleged connections with Louis Lomax and others.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Provided information about the anonymous letter to the *Los Angeles Times*.  
- **International School of Bartending**: Source of Galt’s photograph referenced in FBI records.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_004-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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