</s>REPORT 7-1b of the LABORATORY FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. 205535 To: FBI, Memphis (44-1987) Date: April 24, 1968 WASHINGTON, D C. 20535 Date: FBI File No. 44-38861 Re: MURKIN Lab. No. D-561271.JK CR Specimens received 4/22/68 K171 Missouri State Penitentiary form dated 10/24/66, bearing known handwriting of JAMES E. RAY ALSO SUBMITTED: Copies of two-page report of psychiatric examination dated 10 /24/666 Result of examination: The "Galt" writings considered together and specimen K171 can be identified as having been prepared by the same individual. Because of the limited questioned material and the lock or comparable letters and letter combinations, it could not be determined whether the "Harvey Lawyer" signature on the Q72 gun invoice was prepared by JAMES B. RAV, K17L. Specimen K171 is being retained. 19 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s alleged involvement in the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on handwriting analysis, prison records, and inmate testimony. Handwriting comparisons from April–May 1968 link Ray to specimens including a Missouri State Penitentiary form (October 24, 1966) and a "Harvey Lowery" signature on a Q72 gun invoice, though definitive connections remain inconclusive. Inmate accounts describe Ray as a quiet, meek individual with no documented ties to criminal activity or violent behavior, despite claims of alleged drug use and smuggling activities. FBI reports reference Ray’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) and Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, noting his interactions with inmates like Ben Goodin, Jimmy Z. Bradley, and Cecil Clayton Lillibridge. Some inmates speculated about Ray’s escape plans to Canada or Mexico, while others mentioned indirect references to Dr. King, though no direct evidence of involvement in the assassination was found. Psychological evaluations of inmates like Carlos Lee Billings highlighted mental instability but did not confirm ties to the plot.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure under investigation for MLK’s assassination; described as a loner with no known criminal associates.  
- **Harvey Lowery**: Name associated with a "Harvey Lowery" signature on a Q72 gun invoice, subject of handwriting comparison.  
- **Ben Goodin**: Former chef at MSP who provided details about Ray’s behavior and activities.  
- **Jimmy Z. Bradley**: Inmate who knew Ray and described his demeanor and alleged drug use.  
- **Cecil Clayton Lillibridge (Carl Bridgbridge)**: Inmate who claimed Ray planned to hide in Mexico or Campeche Bay.  
- **Carlos Lee Billings**: Inmate with alleged knowledge of a plot to assassinate MLK using a machine gun during a Selma-to-Montgomery march.  
- **Frank Joseph Guinam**: Inmate who described Ray as a "loner" with no ties to organized crime.  
- **Neal Eady**: Inmate associated with Ray, noted for antagonizing others and potential involvement in violence against Black individuals.  
- **Lt. William Robert Turner**: Missouri State Penitentiary officer who observed Ray’s interactions and speculated about Eady’s role.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Central to investigations; inmates provided details about Ray’s behavior, escape plans, and associations.  
- **Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary**: Ray’s incarceration site; referenced in discussions of his prison connections and alleged ties to organized crime.  
- **Montreal, Canada**: Mentioned as a potential destination for Ray under an alias, with references to passport acquisition methods.  
- **Campeche Bay, Mexico**: Alleged hiding place for Ray, described by inmates as a location where he lived off basic supplies.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Linked to weapon smuggling in alleged assassination plot.  
- **Selma-to-Montgomery march route (Alabama)**: Target of the alleged machine gun attack during a civil rights event.  

Key Events  
- **Handwriting analysis**: FBI compared Ray’s handwriting to specimens from 1966 and 1968, including prison forms and a Q72 gun invoice, but found inconclusive links.  
- **Inmate testimony on escape plans**: Inmates like George Ben Edmondson claimed Ray planned to evade capture by hiding in Canada or Mexico using smuggling networks.  
- **Alleged assassination plot**: Carlos Lee Billings described a plan involving a machine gun smuggled from New Orleans, targeting MLK during a Selma-to-Montgomery march, and fleeing to Australia via Mexico.  
- **Psychological evaluations**: Billings was assessed as mentally unstable, with no confirmed ties to the plot.  
- **Prison interactions**: Ray’s behavior at MSP included avoiding discussions about racial tensions or bounties for MLK, though some inmates noted indirect references to King.  
- **FBI investigations**: Reports reference interviews with prison officials and inmates to track Ray’s movements, associations, and potential connections to organized crime.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted handwriting analysis and inmate interrogations to investigate Ray’s alleged involvement in the assassination.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Central location for Ray’s incarceration; inmates provided critical details about his behavior and escape planning.  
- **Organized Italian criminal element ("outfit") in Kansas City**: Mentioned as a potential connection to Ray’s prison activities and smuggling operations.  
- **Missouri State Highway Patrol**: Conducted checks on Ray’s movements, with negative results reported by Lt. Kenneth Miller.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_009-02-part_2_of_9.pdf

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