</s>FD-36 (Rev. F.22.6464) F.B.I Date: 4/16/68 PLAIN TEXT Transmit the following in (Type in planter or code) TELETYPE URGENT Via (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI & SACS WASHINGTON FIELD & MEMPHIS FROM: SAC, NEW YORK (44-1609) MURKIN; CIVIL RIGHTS; 00: (44+1609] reial 1/4 RE SPRINGFIELD TELETYPE TO THE BUREAD DATED APRIL TWELVE LAST. RE SEAMAN RICHARD GAIT. VICTORY TRANSPORT, INC ., CARE OF ORIENTAL EXPORTERS, INC ., NEW YORK CITY, DID OPERATE THE S.S. S. S ., HUDSON IN NINETEEN SIXTY ONE AND CONTINUES TO OPERATE SAME TODAY. RECORDS REGARDING SHIPS'S COMPLEMENT IN NINEETEENTEEN SIXTY ONE AND NINTEENTEENT SIXTHS TWO ARE IN DEAD STORAGE AND NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. OFFICIAL OF COMPANY STATES THAT UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AT WASHINGTON, D.C. WOULD HAVE MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION REARGARD RICHARDS GALT THAN WOULD APPEAR IN COMPANY'S FILES. HE SUGGESTS THAT COMMANDER FRANKLIN J. MILLER, ASSISTANT CHIEF, MVP, USCG, USGC, Washington, BE CONTACTED AT TELEPHONE TWO ZERO TWO DASH DASH SIX 1- New York (444-1669) 1- Birmingham 1- Subv. #23 1 - Chicago 1- Springfield 1 - ADIC JOHN F. 1 -- Mobile-1-1 -- 1- Housefield 1- ADICJOHN F. 7- 9-10.33 JFS-JF-JIMT MALONE (8) (44-669-164) Approved: Special Agent Sent Per Per Junt Special Agency Charge Sent Per Serialized Indexed <loc_738><loc_969><loc_738><loc_969>2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

The documents detail FBI investigations into potential threats related to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Agents in New York and Indianapolis tracked leads on "Eric Starvo Galt," a suspect linked to multiple aliases including James Early Ray. The FBI cross-referenced subscriber lists of magazines like *Hardware Retailers Magazine* and *Outdoor Life* to identify individuals matching the description. An anonymous tip identified a man named Mario Groft at the Hotel Paramount in Memphis, Tennessee, under the name Galt. The FBI advised against publicizing rewards to avoid benefiting civil rights groups. Later, James Early Ray was confirmed as Eric Starvo Galt through fingerprint analysis. Ray, an escaped prisoner from Missouri State Penitentiary, had a criminal history including armed robbery and forgery. The FBI warned of his dangerous nature and requested information on his whereabouts.  

Key People  
- **James Early Ray** (also known as Eric Starvo Galt, Harvey Lowey, John Willard)  
- **Joseph Fertittra** (linked to the name Eric Starvo Galt)  
- **Mario Groft** (identified at the Hotel Paramount in Memphis)  
- **Thomas Delph** (sales promotion manager for *Hardware Retailers Magazine*)  
- **John T. Shanley** (FBI Special Agent in Charge, New York)  
- **Richard Chaldfoux** (contacted regarding anonymous tips)  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** (Hotel Paramount, where Mario Groft was registered)  
- **Newark, New Jersey** (parade and dance events observed by Gloria Way)  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri** (Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary)  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** (Ray’s 1966 conviction for armed robbery)  
- **Washington, D.C.** (FBI headquarters, where press releases were issued)  

Key Events  
- FBI investigation into "Eric Starvo Galt" linked to MLK assassination threats  
- Anonymous tip identifying Mario Groft at the Hotel Paramount in Memphis  
- FBI directive to avoid publicizing rewards for information on suspects to prevent benefiting civil rights groups  
- Identification of James Early Ray as Eric Starvo Galt through fingerprint analysis  
- Confirmation of Ray’s criminal history, including armed robbery and forgery convictions  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** (led by J. Edgar Hoover)  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary** (Ray’s incarceration and escape)  
- **Hardware Retailers Magazine** (subscriber list checked for leads)  
- **Outdoor Life** (magazine referenced in subscriber checks)

MLK Declassified Files

44-ny-1609_sec_002_ser_135-345-part_2_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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