</s>FD: 245 (REV. 419-60) H. S. department of Justice H.S. 1987-Sub-A -1987-Sub.A (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADED TO THIS FILE) FEDERAL OFFICE FILE FURPA PROCESSED FEDERAL BUREAU 0 Not Destring DO NOT DESTROY PENDING LITIGATION of Pending, Dligation Pending Page 55 (2395, 1995) 2778 3/85 conal April 1985 INVESTIGATION COPIED FOR Bureau File Number 44-38961 Volume Number FOLIPA Bureau Number 44 - 38961 Serial: DO NOT DISTROY: HISTORICAL VALUE. JUL 20 1977 BY/LB HISTONICAL ARCHIVES" See also No. SEE INSIDE DO NOT DISTROY HISTOPICAL VALVE FOR LITIZATIONS NATIONAL ARCHIVES ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED / FOR HISTORICIAL DECLASSIFICATION ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED ESG See nut Section P8/401 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The document contains witness accounts and administrative records related to events at a Memphis, Tennessee, rooming house (422 South Main Street) on April 4–5, 1968. Mrs. Bessie Ruth Brewer managed the property and reported renting Room 5-B to John Willard, described as white, male, approximately 35 years old, clean-shaven, well-dressed, and possibly a police officer. She noted his unusual demeanor and claimed he did not fit with other tenants. The room had a small window on its south side, and a chest of drawers was mentioned as potentially moved by the occupant. FBI interview notes (FD-302 form) indicate this was part of an official investigation. A letter received by Mrs. Brewer from an unknown sender referencing a "flop house" is also noted.  

Witnesses at the rooming house reported hearing a loud noise around 6:00 p.m. on April 4, initially thought to be firecrackers but later linked to a shooting. Mr. Charles Stephens described a man in Apartment 5-B (the new tenant) spending unusual time in the shared bathroom, flushing the toilet repeatedly, and fleeing with a wrapped bundle. The suspect was described as 5'10"–5'11", 165 pounds, sandy hair, dark suit, and ruddy complexion. Mr. Willie Anschutz observed the suspect running from the building after the shooting, carrying a package wrapped in newspaper or paper. Mr. Bertie L. Reeves saw a "strange man" near the landlady’s room before returning to his apartment. Other tenants, including Mr. Vance and Frank Marley, reported no unusual activity.  

The documents include FBI form entries (FD-302) and administrative notes about record retention under Executive Order 14176. The text contains fragmented or corrupted sections, such as repeated phrases like "SUNNY SUNNUT" and "REBEL MOTEL," possibly due to transcription errors or damage to the source material.  

Key People:  
- Bessie Brewer (landlady at 422 South Main Street)  
- John Willard (tenant in Room 5-B, described as white, male, approximately 35 years old)  
- Mr. Charles Stephens (apartment resident who observed the suspect)  
- Mr. Willie Anschutz (witnessed the suspect fleeing with a package)  
- Mr. Bertie L. Reeves (saw a "strange man" near the landlady’s room)  
- Mr. Vance (reported unaware of events)  
- Frank Marley (heard a loud noise but saw nothing)  

Key Locations:  
- 422 South Main Street (rooming house in Memphis, Tennessee)  
- Lorraine Hotel (implied via proximity to the rooming house; site of MLK’s assassination on April 4, 1968)  
- Northeast corner of the building (location pointed out by an officer)  

Key Events:  
- Loud noise reported around 6:00 p.m. on April 4, 1968 (initially thought to be firecrackers)  
- Police presence at the rooming house and surrounding area  
- Witness accounts of a man described in detail exiting an apartment  
- Administrative records noting FBI form submissions and release under E.O. 14176  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Local law enforcement (sheriff’s office, police officers)

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_65-01-part_1_of_4.pdf

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