</s>4/15/68 AIRTEL TO: DIRECTOR, TRK (44-38981) DISTISTICATION DIVISION Attention: (44.3898) Lest Tangerpint Sectioin FROM: SAC, HRSPIRS (44-(1987) (P) INDEX CR all names 00: M 00: m Hemphie airtel to Baren, 1/2/68. No Durns teletype to Memphis, 4/11/68; Moloned for the marees are 21 fingerprint moods for the narees and are for oudination. in the conection with Ingerpinte proviouly inited in this case. For the information of the latest Fingerprint Bodtien, the folling shapae of the latest Fingerprint of the bnst, the sotting shapare of eployees Airtel TELEHITA (CMR) MAGNAMASTER TELEHYPE (CMD) RERCE Teletype TRAILIP PEARL WOODMAN A.M. SADIE BELLA MOORE A. M.S.D. SADIES BELLS IS EAY SADIA L. LORING Spec. Deli. SEN 3 Reg. Mail. REG. MAIL REGISTERED FILL. 44-1977-Jul B-117 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI records from April 1968 detailing investigations into racial tensions, potential criminal activity, and forensic analysis in Memphis, Tennessee, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. It includes fingerprint comparisons, laundry mark analyses, vehicle inspections, and interviews with individuals such as John Kenneth Madden, who reported on local unrest and alleged murders. Suspects like William A. Kuben and Eric S. Galt are referenced, along with forensic evidence linked to the investigation. Additional records reference FBI case numbers (e.g., AL 44-493), internal communications between SAC offices, and efforts to identify a laundry tape on garments believed abandoned by an unsubstantiated suspect (UNSUB). The Textile Marking Machine Co. is cited as the sole manufacturer of the tape, with no other marking machines capable of producing it.  

Key People  
- **John Kenneth Madden**: A man from Knoxville, Tennessee, who traveled to Memphis and reported on racial tensions, disturbances, and alleged murders, including a youth killed during riots. He described interactions with local activists and law enforcement.  
- **William A. Kuben**: A suspect linked to a 1968 Chevrolet rental car, investigated through flight records and hotel stays in Savannah, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky.  
- **Eric S. Galt**: Subject of forensic analysis, with a composite photograph prepared by the FBI in collaboration with Jerome Wallis Vernon, former owner of a laundry business.  
- **John Willard (FBI #920)**: Mentioned in a 1962 photo, noted for anti-Negro sentiments and prior arrests.  
- **William Tucker**: A construction worker with familial connections to Dorothy Sharp (sister) and FNU Tucker (mother).  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central to the investigation, including the Memphis Police Department, Beale Street disturbances, and the funeral of a slain youth.  
- **Savannah, Georgia**: Linked to William A. Kuben’s travel itinerary and U.S. Army installations.  
- **Louisville, Kentucky**: Associated with Kuben’s residence and flight records.  
- **Naval bases and exchanges**: Across multiple states (e.g., Boston, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Miami, Memphis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle).  
- **Clarksville, Tennessee** and **Baldwinville, New York**: Mentioned in relation to suspects and locations.  

Key Events  
- **Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4, 1968)**: Context for the investigation into related disturbances, racial tensions, and potential criminal activity in Memphis.  
- **Disturbances on Beale Street**: Described by Madden as involving law enforcement actions against Black citizens, with references to a youth killed during looting following a march.  
- **Forensic Analysis of Laundry Marks**: Examination of textile markings linked to suspects, including Thermo-Seal machines and specific codes used in laundry processes.  
- **FBI Efforts to Identify Laundry Tape**: Investigation into garments believed abandoned by an unsubstantiated suspect (UNSUB), with requests for color photographs of evidence tapes and samples from Thermo-Seal machine operators.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted fingerprint comparisons, forensic analysis, and investigations across multiple locations.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Involved in events surrounding King’s assassination and subsequent disturbances.  
- **U.S. Army Aviation Material Command**: Mentioned in relation to William A. Kuben’s employment and travel.  
- **Textile Marking Machine Co.**: Cited as the sole manufacturer of the laundry tape used in forensic analysis.  
- **U.S. Navy**: References to naval bases, exchanges, and Delta Airlines ticket agents in Birmingham, Alabama.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_70-02-part_4_of_4.pdf

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