</s>5/1/68 AIRTEL TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) FROM : SAC, NEW YORK (44)-1609) : SUBJECT: MURKIN. Re threats against MARTIN LUTHER KING. Re Bureau teletype to NY dated 4/29/68. - serial 4/32 The following sources, reliable in the past, were contacted on 5/1/(68, and all advised they had no information regarding any conspiracy involving OAUI members in the assassination of Dr. MARTINA LUTHER KING, Jr. Source Contacting Agent NY 5011-R L. GREY BROCKMAN NY 4971-R NY 4907-R NY 4605-R NY 4695-R RODGER T. BRESNEE NY 4967-R NY 4873-R NY 5443-R DANIEL BRYAN LYONS JOHN TRACY CURTIN 3-Bureau 1-Memphis 1-New York JFSims (6) 1-Supv. #23 4-1607 458 Pu Indo-au Piled 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of multiple FBI telegrams dated May 2, 1968, detailing investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities. They reference insurance claims under his name, vehicle records, and movements between states. Ray is described as "armed and dangerous," with specific details about a 1967 Mustang purchase in Birmingham, Alabama, and a speeding ticket issued to him in Vermont. The FBI notes discrepancies in identification, including conflicting names (James Estel Ray vs. James Earl Ray) and addresses linked to Tennessee and Ohio. Memphis is instructed to check motor vehicle records for Tennessee registration and address verification. The documents also mention unrelated inquiries about Robert Gundy and insurance claims by individuals named James Ray, with no direct connection to Martin Luther King Jr. or the assassination investigation.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Central figure in the investigation; linked to insurance claims, vehicle purchases, and alleged criminal activity.  
- **Norman Gadue**: Vermont police officer who issued a speeding ticket to Ray in 1967.  
- **Bernard L. Hines, Jr.**: Director of "The Index System," providing insurance claim data.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Site of Ray’s 1967 Mustang purchase.  
- **Bennington, Vermont**: Location of the speeding ticket incident.  
- **Dayton, Ohio** and **Harriman, Tennessee**: Addresses associated with Ray’s records.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: FBI office coordinating investigations.  

Key Events  
- **Insurance Claims**: Multiple entries reference individuals named James Ray filing claims with insurers like Mutual Casualty Company and Travelers Insurance.  
- **Vehicle Records**: Inquiry into Ray’s 1967 Mustang purchase and Tennessee registration details.  
- **Speeding Ticket Incident**: Norman Gadue issued a ticket to Ray in Bennington, Vermont, on August 30, 1967.  
- **Identification Discrepancies**: Confusion between "James Estel Ray" and "James Earl Ray," with conflicting addresses and employment records.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Coordinating investigations across multiple offices (New York, Memphis, Indianapolis, Kansas City).  
- **Mutual Casualty Company** and **Travelers Insurance Company**: Insurers mentioned in Ray’s claims.  
- **The Index System**: Database providing insurance claim information referenced by the FBI.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ny-1609_sec_003_ser_346-480-part_6_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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