</s>841 Federal Office Building Memphis, Tennessee 38103 June 31, 1988 Mr. Phil M. Canale District Attorney General Shelby County Memphis. Tennessee Dear Mr. Canle: Enclosed herewith is a single copy of a report prepared by Special Agent Joe C. Heater at Memphis, Tennessee, dated June 10, 1988. This report is being furnished you in view of the murder indictment outstanding against subject James Earl Ray. It should be understood that this report and the contents thereof are not to be disclosed outside your agency except for purposes of prosecution. Very truly yours, ROBERT O. JENSEN Special Agent in Charge 44-1907. SUBB-1175 Enclosure SEARC. Addressee SERIALIZED B Memphis (44-1987) (RGIJ:BN) INDEX.D. (2) FIELD 5 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s involvement in Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, including checks on his identity through witness accounts and telephone records. Ray was linked to unsolved bank robberies and unidentified deceased persons. The FBI also explored connections between Ray and individuals like Richard Tomtomsion (spelled inconsistently), H.Y. Schaub (a coin dealer with smuggling convictions), and Edgar Eugene Bradley, who were allegedly associated with far-right groups or anti-King sentiments. Investigations extended to Robert Edward Byrne, whose alleged ties to organized crime, gun-running, and a planned high-profile assassination (comparing it to JFK’s assassination) were reported by Mrs. Homer Lane Bigelow. Byrne denied involvement in MLK’s death but admitted past military service in Cuba and associations with Ray Ryan and Hal Half, linked to oil ventures and the Mt. Kenya Safari Club. The FBI tracked Jerry Ray’s movements, including planned visits to Memphis, Tennessee, and interviewed informants like SA John B. Ovt and Petters. Administrative records included logistical details about FBI operations, mileage logs, and personnel assignments, alongside unrelated case references such as "MURKIN."  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; checked against bank robbery witnesses and unidentified death records.  
- **Richard Tomtomsion** (spelling variant): Spoke about a far-right group in Lake Placid, Wyoming, allegedly involved in King’s death.  
- **H.Y. Schaub**: Coin dealer with smuggling convictions; discussed potential involvement of a far-right group in King’s assassination.  
- **Edgar Eugene Bradley**: Investigated for possible connections to MLK-related activities and described by Rex H. Basinger.  
- **Robert Edward Byrne**: Alleged ties to organized crime, gun-running, and a planned high-profile assassination; denied involvement in MLK’s death.  
- **Mrs. Homer Lane Bigelow (Helen Louise Coykendall)**: Provided accounts of Byrne’s alleged criminal associations and conversations about an assassination plot.  
- **Harold B. Mott**: Testified Byrne had no connection to MLK’s death or criminal syndicates.  
- **Kathy Rahl**, **James Heyer**, **Ray Ryan**, **Hal Half**: Linked to Byrne through social circles, legal matters, or business ventures.  
- **Grace** (informant): Reported potential threats against King, though context is unclear.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central to MLK’s assassination investigation and Ray’s activities.  
- **Denver, Colorado**: Site of investigations into bank robberies, Byrne’s alleged criminal ties, and interviews with witnesses.  
- **Lake Placid, Wyoming**: Mentioned as a location of a far-right group allegedly linked to King’s assassination.  
- **Acapulco, Mexico**: Site of a yacht trip (Ultima II) involving Byrne and Bigelow; photographs taken there were later reported stolen or monitored.  
- **San Francisco, Texas**, **Lubbock, Texas**, **New Orleans, Louisiana**, **Birmingham, Alabama**, **Dallas, Texas**, **San Marcos, Texas**: Locations referenced in FBI tracking of Jerry Ray’s movements and administrative logs.  

Key Events  
- **Investigation into James Earl Ray’s identity**: Cross-referenced with bank robbery witnesses and unidentified death records.  
- **Inquiries into far-right groups**: Discussions about a group in Lake Placid, Wyoming, potentially involved in King’s assassination.  
- **Alleged assassination plot**: Byrne reportedly discussed plans for a high-profile assassination, drawing parallels to JFK’s case.  
- **Yacht trip to Acapulco**: Involving Byrne and Bigelow; photographs of the yacht (Ultima II) were taken and later reported stolen.  
- **Tracking Jerry Ray’s movements**: FBI monitored his planned visits to Memphis and other locations.  
- **Legal proceedings**: Byrne faced court appearances in Colorado Springs with attorney James Heyer.  
- **FBI administrative operations**: Included logistical details, mileage logs, personnel assignments, and case management records.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray, bank robberies, and other criminal activities; managed administrative logs and personnel.  
- **Denver Police Department**: Provided records on Robert Edward Byrne and other individuals.  
- **Colorado State Department of Public Health**: Involved in verifying unidentified deceased persons.  
- **Retail Credit Men’s Association (Denver)**: Checked credit standing of Mrs. Homer Lane Bigelow.  
- **Mt. Kenya Safari Club**: Linked to Ray Ryan and Hal Half through alleged business interests.  
- **Oil ventures**: Involving Hal Half and other associates, with connections to Byrne’s activities.  
- **United Airlines** (Flight #3907): Mentioned in FBI records related to travel logistics.  
- **Petrolohm Co.**: Employed WAUGH, referenced in employment records.  
- **Boating Company** (security section): Mentioned in logistical details of FBI operations.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_71-05-part_4_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search