</s>FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Washington, D.C. 20357 REPORT of the IDENTIFICATION DIVISION LATENT FINGERPRINT SECTION YOUR FILE NO. 44-1114A April 16, 1968 FBI FILE NO ., 44-38861 LATENAT CASE NO. 91075 LATENTS CASE NO .: SAC, Chicago RE: MURKIN REFERENCE: Airtel 4/12/68 REFERENCES: EXAMINATION REQUESTED TO CHicago SPECIMENS: Three letters signed by Eric S. Gall, Q130 through Q132 Order blank, Q133 Six miscellaneous items of correspondence of the Superior Bulk Film Company 4/13/68. This report confirms and supplements Butel of One latent fingerprint of value developed on letter dated 10/5/67, signed by Eric S. Galt, Q1330. No latent impressions developed other items. Latent fingerprint not identical with latent impressions previously reported this case. Submit appropriate elimination prints. (Continued on next page) 2 - Memphis (44-1987) John Edgar Hoover, Director THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY 40 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14476

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections between Jerry William Ray, his brother James Earl Ray, and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Fingerprint analysis of typewritten letters linked to Eric S. Galt and other correspondence involving Superior Bulk Film Company revealed no direct ties to MLK’s assassination but indicated possible connections to individuals under surveillance. FBI agents conducted multiple interviews with Jerry Ray between April 23–7, 1968, seeking information about his brother James’ activities, employment history at the Sportsman Country Club in Northbrook, Illinois, and alleged criminal ties. Surveillance efforts tracked Ray’s movements, family interactions, and potential links to criminal networks. Handwriting analysis of documents attributed to Jerry and John Ray showed discrepancies, suggesting they were not prepared by the subjects. The FBI also investigated Susan Jane Ryan Donian’s family connections, including James Earl Ray, and monitored media interactions with Ray regarding potential involvement in a Life magazine article.  

Key People:  
- **Jerry William Ray** (interviewed; brother of James Earl Ray; employed at Sportsman Country Club)  
- **James Earl Ray** (suspected of involvement in MLK’s assassination; incarcerated in Illinois State Penitentiary)  
- **John Ray** (brother of Jerry Ray; mentioned as having connections to St. Louis and potential ties to James Earl Ray)  
- **Carol Pepper** (sister of Jerry Ray; married to Albert Pepper; residence in Missouri)  
- **Frank Fuller** (stepfather of Jerry Ray; married to Melba Puller; residence in Quincy, Illinois)  
- **Marguerite Welch** (manager of Sportsman Country Club; reported Ray’s activities)  
- **Thomas Bucklin** (director of Glenbrook Patrol Service; coordinated surveillance on Ray)  
- **Dale L. Dykema** (individual mentioned in correspondence with Eric S. Galt)  
- **Susan Jane Ryan Donian** (sister of Jerry Ray; provided postcards from John Ray dated 1960–1972)  
- **Michael Donian** (husband of Susan Jane Ryan Donian)  

Key Locations:  
- **Northbrook, Illinois**: Site of Sportsman Country Club where Jerry Ray worked.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Linked to James Earl Ray’s alleged criminal activities and family connections.  
- **Quincy, Illinois**: Residence of Frank Fuller and Jerry Ray’s birthplace.  
- **Chicago, Illinois**: FBI office conducting interviews with Jerry Ray.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Reference point for MLK’s assassination investigation.  
- **Alton, Illinois**: Catholic Charities Home where Mrs. Donian resided.  

Key Events:  
- **April 4, 1968**: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., central to the FBI’s investigation.  
- **April 23–7, 1968**: Multiple FBI interviews with Jerry Ray regarding his brother James’ activities and potential involvement in MLK’s assassination.  
- **April 25, 1968**: FBI Laboratory analysis of handwriting samples attributed to Jerry William Ray and John Ray, noting discrepancies.  
- **May 1–3, 1968**: Surveillance of Jerry Ray’s movements and media interactions regarding potential involvement in a Life magazine article.  
- **April 22, 1968**: Observation of a car with Missouri license plates at Sportsman Country Club, linked to Jerry William May.  
- **April 20–30, 1968**: Investigation into Susan Jane Ryan Donian’s family connections, including James Earl Ray and John Ray.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted fingerprint analysis, interviews, surveillance, and administrative coordination.  
- **Sportsman Country Club** (Northbrook, Illinois): Employed Jerry Ray; site of surveillance activities.  
- **Eastman Kodak Company**: Involved in warranty tracking and equipment serial number records.  
- **Superior Bulk Film Company**: Linked to correspondence and specimen submissions for analysis.  
- **Catholic Charities Home** (Alton, Illinois): Residence of Mrs. Donian.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_81-02-part_2_of_4.pdf

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