</s>CO 170-115F1 ADMINISTRATIVE: On 9/12/70, ROBERT SHELTON and MELVIN SEXTON stayed at the Darlington Motel, DARlington, S. C. Prior to the rally, SHELTTON played the tape recording he had in the possession CON played the warrant mentioned in the attached report for the council. The source believed he had to the Congressman shelTON mentions being aware of his request for warrants are Congressmen BUCHANMAN and CRAMER (phonetic). SHELTON told the source that he had gone to Birmingham to see the U.S. Commissioner. Upon arrival in Birmingham, SHELDTON said it was evident that word concerning his request the U ., Commissioner. the press and he noted the press and TV cameras at the Commissioner's office. However, upon going by the building and looking for a parking place, upon his return to the building none of the TV and TV and press representatives were present. SHELTON stated the U .. S. Commissioner in Tuscaloosa also refused to furnish him with warrants and suggested that he go to the Attorney General of the United States. The tape recording played for the source also contained news items which were recorded from the radio regarding the request and refusal in connection with the warrants. SHELTLTON told them the source he had intercedented a message from the Attorney general of the UNITED States address from the Loyal Members of the White House Staff. SHELTOH told the Source he had intercepted a SHELTHON did not have any such message in his possession but said anything he stated was documented. He said the Attorney General had told the White HOUSE staff that the white leadership in the South had been lost to President NIXON and as a result, NIXON will lose the South in the next election because of the school situation. MITCHELL told them that GEORGE WALLACE would get the white vote. MITCHELL suggested that the only course of action now - C - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail an investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), focusing on claims of conspiracy involving individuals associated with a business called Magellan in Atlanta. Byron Watson, a 14-year-old employee at Magellan, allegedly overheard a conversation in March 1968 where Gene Purcell discussed plans to assassinate MLK in Tennessee "just like he killed Kennedy." Purcell claimed to have a "jailbird" to take the blame for the crime. The meeting involved Larry Meier and Bayne Culley, who later interrogated Watson. Watson reported the conversation to his mother, Lillian Watson, who sought assistance from attorneys and government officials. The FBI and Secret Service were informed but expressed skepticism about the claims. A polygraph examination of Watson was deemed inconclusive due to possible drug use prior to the test. The documents also reference unrelated investigations into James Earl Ray’s 1989 prison escape attempt and other individuals linked to MLK’s assassination case, including KKK figures like Robert Shelton and Melvin Sexton.  

Key People  
- **Byron Watson**: 14-year-old boy who overheard a conversation at Magellan involving plans to assassinate MLK.  
- **Lillian Watson**: Byron’s mother, who reported the overheard information to authorities and sought government reward or protection.  
- **Gene Purcell (Harold Sugene Purcell)**: Alleged conspirator in ML.K.’s assassination; described as a gun-runner and smuggler.  
- **Larry Meier**: Magellan associate who interrogated Watson and threatened him after learning of the overheard conversation.  
- **Bayne Culley**: Magellan associate present during the meeting where Purcell discussed the assassination plan.  
- **William S. Arnett**: Antiques dealer linked to Magellan; involved in a burglary case with Watson.  
- **Clifford (William Thibodeaux)**: Possibly associated with smuggling activities and travel abroad.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of MLK’s assassination; details of his 1989 prison escape attempt included.  
- **Robert Shelton** and **Melvin Sexton**: Prominent KKK figures accused of conspiring to assassinate MLK.  

Key Locations  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Site of Magellan’s operations; where Watson worked and where Lillian Watson resided.  
- **Columbus, Georgia**: Where William S. Arnett lived and where a burglary occurred involving Watson.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: FBI office involved in the investigation.  
- **East Tennessee Prison (Oak Ridge, TN)**: Site of James Earl Ray’s 1989 escape attempt.  

Key Events  
- **March 28, 1968**: Byron Watson overheard Gene Purcell and others discuss plans to assassinate MLK at Magellan Art Gallery.  
- **December 23, 1970**: Burglary at William S. Arnett’s home in Columbus, Georgia, involving Watson and two friends.  
- **Polygraph Examination (1970)**: Conducted on Watson but deemed inconclusive due to possible drug use prior to the test.  
- **FBI Investigation (1971)**: Memphis and Atlanta offices checked records of individuals linked to MLK’s assassination, including James Earl Ray.  
- **Secret Service Involvement**: Agents in Atlanta investigated Byron and Lillian Watson but showed skepticism about their claims.  
- **April 1989**: James Earl Ray escaped from East Tennessee Prison; details included as part of the provided text.  

Key Organizations  
- **Magellan**: Business in Atlanta allegedly involved in smuggling, illegal arms trade, and connections to MLK assassination conspiracy.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into individuals linked to MLK’s assassination, including checks on names and companies.  
- **Secret Service**: Informed of Watson’s claims but did not confirm or act on them.  
- **Atlanta Police Department**: Maintained records of arrests and suspects, including Lawrence Meier and Bayne Culley.  
- **United States Department of Justice**: Overseeing the investigation into MLK’s assassination.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_87-02-part_4_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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