</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) FBI Date: 7/16/68 Transmit the following in (Type in planestor or code) AIRTEL AIR MAIL Via (Priority) TO: SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) FROM: SAL LITTLE ROCK (157-1215) P SUBJECT: MURKIN CR 00: ME Re Memphis airtel to Kansas City, 7/8/68. Re Memphis airtel to Kansas city, 7 /8/66. Rock and North Little Rock, Ark. failed to reflect an avenue by the name knell or Krell. There are no avenues in either city with a similar name. 2 - Memphis 2 - Little Rock L/M/Jewh (4) 44-1910 Sub-B-1871 SENIALIZEDER, INDEXED. B 1250 JUL 17 1966 FBI-MEMPHIS Doug-072 Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains multiple FBI communications dated July 28–31, 1968, detailing an investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Willie James McGuire, a truck driver from Los Angeles, reported to the Birmingham FBI office that he witnessed MLK at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. McGuire claimed he was standing on the hotel balcony when shots were fired from a building behind the Goldstein Clothing Store. He described observing MLK entering a room adjacent to his and staying there for over an hour. McGuire stated he saw MLK later that evening and heard two shots fired, noting the shooter’s position as approximately 75 feet away. McGuire also mentioned drinking alcohol prior to the incident and interacting with Ernest Poole, who facilitated contact with authorities. The FBI notes discrepancies in McGuire’s account and includes cost data for investigative operations in Memphis, Las Vegas, Buffalo, Detroit, and Miami.  

Key People:  
- **Willie James McGuire**: Truck driver from Los Angeles; claimed to have witnessed MLK’s assassination at the Lorraine Hotel.  
- **Ernest Poole**: Facilitated McGuire’s contact with authorities.  
- **James Thompson**: McGuire’s helper, described as accompanying him in a tractor-trailer.  
- **Special Agents (FBI)**: Involved in cost tracking and investigative operations across multiple cities.  

Key Locations:  
- **Lorraine Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination.  
- **Goodyear Fire Company (Memphis)**: Mentioned as a location near McGuire’s observations.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: FBI office where McGuire initially reported his account.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: McGuire’s residence and workplace.  

Key Events:  
- **April 4, 1968**: MLK’s assassination at the Lorraine Hotel; McGuire claimed to have witnessed the shooting.  
- **July 28–31, 1968**: FBI communications detailing McGuire’s testimony, discrepancies in his account, and cost data for investigative operations.  
- **Newspaper clippings**: Enclosed as part of the investigation, referencing local Memphis news coverage.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations, tracked costs, and coordinated with SACs (Special Agent in Charge) in multiple cities.  
- **Patriotic Legal Aid Fund**: Mentioned in unrelated administrative notes about fundraising activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_71-06-part_3_of_4.pdf

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