</s>Me-Reports - Only (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) (MATEURAL MUST BE REMOVE) FIELD OFFICE FILE FOIPA PROCESSED FEDERAL BUREAU Do not Distay Do not Destay-Pending Litigation FEDERAL BUREAU Pending 2 p33 DO NOT DESTROY 2330 (12-83) of HISTORICAL VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 377831885-comed 8/25 NATIONALARCHIVES INVESTIGATION Bureau File Number 44.3/16/1 Volume Number 2 (Repairs the-3/18) Serial Number 2(Repairs The-3 (Com) "DO NOT ESTROY: HISTO.N. ALUE. NATIONAL MACHIVES' See also Nos. SEE YOU 1 FOR LITIGATIONS ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICIAL DECLASSIFICATION COPIES FORR ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREENTS UNGLASSIFIED ESR 19/04/4 Sertion 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

Summary  
The document details accounts from Reverend KYLES and others regarding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. KYLES described witnessing Dr. King's body lying prone on the balcony floor after being shot, noting a gaping wound near his cheekbone and neck. He estimated the time of the shooting as approximately 6:01 p.m., with the gunshot sound originating from the west side of Mulberry Street toward the east. KYLES observed Reverend ABERNATHY attempting to communicate with King and later assisted in securing a bedspread for first aid. An ambulance transported King’s body to St. Joseph Hospital. Photographs taken after the shooting were referenced, including those published in *Life* magazine. The document also includes statements from Charles Ballard, who stayed at the Lorraine Motel until April 4, 1968, and James Elmore Phillips, who resided in room 315 during King's stay. Both denied witnessing any suspicious activity or individuals near King’s room. KYLES concluded that no one in Memphis or the SCLC network recalled unusual movements around the motel prior to the shooting.  

Key People  
- Reverend KYLES: Witnessed the assassination, described the gunshot and King’s injuries, assisted in first aid efforts.  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Shot on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel.  
- Reverend ABERNATHY: Attempted to communicate with King post-shooting.  
- Reverend JAMES, BEVEL: Present at the motel during the event.  
- Charles Ballard: Stayed in room 310 of the Lorraine Motel until April 4, 1968; not present during the shooting.  
- James Elmore Phillips: Stayed in room 315; left on April 3, 1968; reported no suspicious activity.  
- Reverend ANDREW YOUNG: Present at the motel and photographed with King’s body.  

Key Locations  
- Lorraine Motel (406 Mulberry Street, Memphis): Site of the assassination.  
- St. Joseph Hospital: Where Dr. King’s body was transported after the shooting.  
- South Main Street: Area where KYLES observed potential gunfire direction.  
- 1644 Hanmer, apt. 2: Destination for Phillips after leaving the motel.  

Key Events  
- Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel.  
- KYLES’ account of witnessing the shooting, King’s injuries, and first aid efforts.  
- Ambulance transport of King’s body to St. Joseph Hospital.  
- Photography of King’s body post-shooting, including images in *Life* magazine.  
- Interviews with Charles Ballard and James Elmore Phillips regarding their stays at the Lorraine Motel and lack of suspicious activity.  
- KYLES’ conclusion that no one in Memphis or the SCLC network recalled unusual movements near the motel prior to the shooting.  

Key Organizations  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): Mentioned as an organization with members present at the motel, including Reverend BEVEL and others.  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Involved in interviews with Ballard and Phillips as part of the investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_65-02-part_1_of_3.pdf

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