</s>PAGE TWO DALLAS 44-2649 UNCLAS E FTO STEPHEN WILSON CONFIRMED SISTER OWNED 1965 MUSTANG AND FATHER DROVE IT ON OCCASION BUT DOES NOT RECALL HE EVER DROVE It TO MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. DESCRIBES FATHER AS ALCOHOLIC WITH SERIOUS MENTAL PROBLEMS. SAID HE PLACED FATHER IN ALCOHOLIC REHABILIATION CLINIC AT SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS FOR 3 - 4 DAYS IN JANUARY 1976 TO DRY HIM OUT. FATHER LIVED WITH HIM FOR BRIEF TIME AFTERWEDS AND WOULD DRINK CONSTANTLY AND DO AND SAY CRAZY THINGS. SAYS NEVER HEARD FATHER EVER MAKE STATEMENT THAT HE KILLED MARTIN LUTHER KING. MARK ANTHONY WILSOON INTERVIEWS 6/20/76 AND STATED FATHER BURGESS AUDIE WILson IS A VERY SICK MAN 6/28/76 and STATED FATHER SAYS HIS FATHER COULD NOT KILLED DR. KING SINCE TO THE BEST OF HIS RECOLLECTION BURGESS WILSSON WILSON WAS AT HOME IN GRAND VIEW, MO. ON THAT DATE. THINKS MOTHER AND SISTER VISITING GRANDMOTHER AT MEMPHISS, TENN. AND FATHEN WAS HOME WITH HIM AND BROTHER STEPHEN. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details an FBI investigation into Burgess Audie Wilson’s claims that he assassinated Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) on April 4, 1968, using a Japanese sniper rifle purchased from an individual named Mitch. Wilson alleged ties to the Mafia and erratic behavior due to alcoholism. The FBI reviewed his alibi, background, and associations, including interviews with his ex-wife, Mrs. Avis Lea Hunter, and others in Memphis, Tennessee. Findings concluded there was no credible evidence supporting Wilson’s assertions, dismissing his story as a "wild tale." The investigation reflects broader efforts to address conspiracy theories surrounding MLK’s assassination, which remains a historically significant event with ongoing debates about its circumstances.  

Key People  
- **Burgess Audie Wilson**: Claimed to have assassinated MLK; described as having Mafia ties, alcoholism, and erratic behavior.  
- **Mrs. Avis Lea Hunter**: Wilson’s ex-wife; stated he had a history of wild stories and erratic conduct.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of MLK’s assassination in 1969; referenced in historical context but not directly discussed in the document.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Wilson’s alleged activities and interviews conducted by investigators.  
- **New Beverly, Georgia**: Mentioned as a location where Wilson allegedly faced arrest for diamond-related crimes.  
- **Alabama and Georgia**: Wilson’s purported operations of a jewelry store.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Date of MLK’s assassination; central to Wilson’s claims.  
- **FBI investigation into Wilson’s allegations**: Included verification of his whereabouts, background checks, and interviews with associates.  
- **Discrediting of Wilson’s claims**: FBI concluded no evidence supported his involvement in the assassination.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted the primary investigation into Wilson’s assertions.  
- **Justice Department**: Referenced in historical context regarding MLK’s assassination and related investigations.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_88a-01-part_4_of_5.pdf

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