</s>SAC, KNOVVILLE (44-686) 6/20/69 SAC , MEMPHIS (44-(1987) (P) MURKIN Re Knoxville letter to Bureau, 6/10/69. JERRY RAY has been located and interviewed and has been uncooperative. Knoxville should discontinue efforts to interview JERRYRAY 2 - Knoxville 1- Memphis SEARCHIT JCH: jap (3) m 4/4-1917-20/1-11-36/6 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI and federal agency investigations into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray, wiretapping activities, evidence handling, and related legal proceedings. Key elements include discontinuation of interviews with Jerry Ray due to uncooperativeness, tracking a 243 caliber Remington rifle and ammunition shipment linked to Aeromarine Supply in Birmingham, Alabama, and internal FBI discussions about wiretap operations involving King. References to J. Edgar Hoover’s memos, Robert F. Kennedy’s involvement, and administrative case management (e.g., "RUC" status for closures) are present. South Carolina investigations include license plate checks, address verification for Karl G. King, and inquiries into individuals like L.E. Price, Joe Beckwith, and SAM MITCHELL. Douglas Ralph McEwen (Tom McEen), an Indiana inmate, alleged he was approached by Hugh Polk to kill MLK but refused, claiming Ray did not commit the assassination and that the perpetrator resides in Mississippi. Legal proceedings involve Ray’s trial, appeals, and petitions for certiorari challenging his conviction. Evidence handling includes analysis of $20 bills linked to Ray’s Memphis residence and review of medical records for Morris McCavery.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (accused of assassinating MLK; central figure in the case)  
- J. Edgar Hoover (FBI Director, referenced in memos about threats)  
- Robert F. Kennedy (U.S. Attorney General at the time)  
- Jerry Ray (uncooperative subject of investigation)  
- Karl G. King (subject of South Carolina administrative records)  
- Mrs. Marjorie Ulen (source providing information on potential conspirators)  
- L.E. Price (South Carolina route investigator)  
- Joe Beckwith (traveler with family in Oklahoma during March-April 1968)  
- Everett Marsden (retired Navy veteran, Charleston, SC)  
- SAM MITCHELL (P.O. Box 893, Charleston, SC; under investigation for potential ties to MLK assassination)  
- Douglas Ralph McEwen/Tom McEen (inmate in Indiana, claimed involvement with Hugh Polk and MLK assassination plot)  
- Hugh Polk (convicted burglar, allegedly informed McEen about MLK’s murder)  
- Morris McCavery (individual with hospital records reviewed by FBI)  
- Mrs. Bessie Brewer (Memphis house operator who allegedly handled money for Ray)  
- Judge Arthur C. Faquin (Tennessee judge involved in Ray’s trial and appeals)  
- Attorney General Phil Canale (involved in evidence determination)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (central to MLK assassination investigation; Ray’s alleged residence; Mrs. Brewer’s house)  
- Birmingham, Alabama (linked to rifle and ammunition shipment via Aeromarine Supply)  
- Knoxville, Tennessee (court for certiorari petition)  
- South Carolina (administrative records on Karl G. King; Greenville, Suster County; Charleston)  
- Corinth, Mississippi (motel stay linked to SAM MITCHELL and James Earl Ray)  
- Topeka, Kansas (Topeka State Hospital where McCavery was a patient)  
- Richmond, Indiana (Douglas Ralph McEwen’s incarceration)  
- Oklahoma (Joe Beckwith’s family travel routes)  

Key Events  
- Discontinuation of interviews with Jerry Ray and James Earl Ray due to lack of cooperation or relevance  
- Tracking of a 243 caliber Remington rifle and ammunition shipment via bill of lading to Aeromarine Supply in Birmingham, Alabama  
- FBI internal discussions on wiretapping King, RFK’s involvement, and Hoover’s memos about potential threats  
- Administrative case closures or redactions (e.g., "RUC" status for cases)  
- Investigation into Mrs. Marjorie Ulen’s claims about a conspirator named Willard  
- South Carolina license plate checks and address verification for Karl G. King  
- FBI interviews with individuals in South Carolina and Mississippi to trace movements during March-April 1968  
- Inquiry into SAM MITCHELL’s identity and potential ties to James Earl Ray  
- Tracking of vehicle licenses, motel registrations, and financial records  
- Douglas Ralph McEwen’s claims about being approached by Hugh Polk to kill MLK and his assertion that Ray did not commit the crime  
- FBI investigation into Ray’s financial transactions and potential connections to MLK’s assassination  
- Handling of $20 bills from Mrs. Brewer’s possession, including fingerprint analysis linking them to Ray  
- Legal proceedings involving Ray’s trial, sentencing, and appeals in Tennessee courts  
- Review of medical records for Morris McCavery to assess his potential involvement or ties to the case  
- Petition for certiorari challenging the validity of Ray’s conviction and procedural rulings  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- Aeromarine Supply (linked to ammunition shipment)  
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD)  
- U.S. Postal Service  
- Tennessee Department of Justice  
- U.S. Courts (Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals)  
- Memphis Division, FBI (involved in evidence management and case coordination)

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_87-01-part_4_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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