</s>metal in the bottom of each can. Both cans are alike. These cans were found attached to the Q54 carrying device in the Q55 paper bag. Nothing of apparent significance was noted about the "The" x" brown paper bag, The "Q57 key fits the lock on the Q15 zipper bag and probably belongs to this bag. Specimen Q58 is a common, round, used toothpick. The metal split ring, Q59, has overlapping ends. It appears to be the type of ring that new keys are attached. to. Nothing of significance was not noted about the Q60 and Q61 hangers. "ADJUST-O" silver-colored watchband. The links may be compared with the watchband should same as recovered. SOIL EXAMINATION Fine smears and deposits of brown silty soil having the appearance of being deposited while wet were found on Q13. The soil in these smears are deposits is suitable for comparison purposes. The specific origin of the soil cannot be determined by a laboratory examination. DOCUMENT EXAMINAINATION Specimens Q18, Q19, Q20, Q23, Q25, Q55 and Q56 were examined for writings and pertinent indented impressions, but nothing of significance not noted. The Q55 bag is imprinted "HOMESTEAD" "STUBBY", " Information available in the Laboratory shows that the "HOMETEAD", brand name is registered to the Graham Paper Company, 1014 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102, while "STUDBY" refers to the type o' bag. Page 12 PC-A5498 BX 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI forensic analyses of physical evidence linked to Martin Luther King Jr.'s (MLK) assassination, including clothing items, soil samples, blood analysis, and fingerprint comparisons. Forensic reports identify lead contamination on MLK’s garments consistent with bullet contact, human blood groups on clothing and bedding materials, and fingerprints of James Earl Ray matched to weapons and objects at the scene. Soil comparison studies were conducted in Memphis, Tennessee, and other locations to trace evidence origins. Testimony from Harry Sero, an inmate at Missouri State Penitentiary, references alleged discussions about MLK’s economic boycott plans. The FBI also investigated potential associates of James Earl Ray, including Eric Starvo GALT, through motel records, phone logs, and interviews with individuals in Birmingham, Alabama, Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Engineering measurements of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis were recorded to analyze the shooting location’s physical dimensions.  

Key People  
- Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK): Central figure whose assassination is under investigation.  
- James Earl Ray: Suspected assassin; fingerprints linked to evidence at the scene.  
- Eric Starvo GALT: Investigated as a potential associate of Ray; registered at Provincial Motel in New Orleans, December 1967.  
- Harry Sero: Inmate who provided testimony about MLK’s alleged economic boycott plans.  
- Robert FitzPatrick, A. F. Miller, Jack B. Simpson: FBI agents involved in evidence collection and analysis.  
- Lawrence Chancellor Howell, Frank Libertorio: Individuals providing information on rooming house stays and New Orleans residents.  
- INZ KRIEGER, WILL BERDON, BENJAMIN J. DUKE, JOSEPH CLEMENTS, STANLEY J. MORRIS, GLORIA BARNET, BRYAN DUPEPSE: Provincial Motel staff interviewed during the investigation.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Sites of MLK’s assassination and related investigations; specific locations include 418 and 422 South Main Street for soil samples.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City, Missouri): Location where Harry Sero provided testimony.  
- Rebel Motel (Memphis, Tennessee): Parking lot and surrounding areas associated with evidence collection.  
- Lorraine Motel, Memphis: Site of MLK’s assassination; engineering measurements recorded for balcony height and distances.  
- Economy Rooming House, Birmingham, Alabama: Multiple individuals reported staying here in 1967; interviews conducted to identify suspects.  
- Provincial Motel, New Orleans, Louisiana: GALT registered at Room 126 during December 17–19, 1967; staff interviewed for information.  
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Location of Louisiana Driver’s License Division checked for records.  
- French Quarter, New Orleans: Mentioned in context of parking difficulties.  

Key Events  
- Forensic examination of MLK’s clothing items, including damage consistent with gunshot trauma and blood group identification.  
- Fingerprint analysis linking James Earl Ray to the Remington rifle, binoculars, and other objects at the scene.  
- Soil comparison studies conducted in Memphis and other locations to trace evidence origins.  
- FBI interviews with rooming house residents in Birmingham (September 1967) to verify presence of GALT or Ray.  
- Engineering survey of Lorraine Motel on April 23, 1968, to determine shooting location details.  
- Investigation into GALT’s movements and associations, including checks with motel records, phone logs, and Louisiana state agencies.  
- Review of Provincial Motel records for Room 126 occupants during December 17–19, 1967; noted long-distance call to Los Angeles on December 18, 1967.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted forensic analysis, interviews, and investigative tracking.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary: Site where Harry Sero provided testimony.  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Represented by Reverend James Bevel, who provided details on MLK’s position during the shooting.  
- U.S. Attorney offices in Memphis and Birmingham: Involved in case management and coordination.  
- Louisiana Department of Corrections, Louisiana State Police, Sheriff’s offices, city police, and utility companies: Checked for records related to GALT’s activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-la-1574_742142_010-01-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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