</s>4/22/76 AIRTEL DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) TO: (ATN): FOIPA SECTION; RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SA THOMAS WISEMAN) ADIC, NEW YORK (44+1609) SUBJECT: MURKIN, HAROLD WEISBERG VIA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE U.S ., D.C ., C ., E ., Civil ACTION No. 75-1996 On 4/16/12/12, time Inc. ., RICHARD M. SEAMON, Director of Editorial Services, Time Inc ., 1971 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10020, Telephone Number 212-555-4857, advised. New York. 10020. Telephone Number 222-555 -4857- graphs of the NYO that he has no object detected. MARTIN LUTTER KING taken by Photographer JOSEPH LOW, and made available to the FBI on 4/18/68, being viewed on request under the POIA, but would object to having them removed from FBI files or copies being made. Mr. SEASON said that any request for copies of the photos and/or request that have taken from FBI Files, should be directed to him personally at the above address. 2- Bureau 44-169. 785 JCS:km (4) Km 15 1 - Supv. 348 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI inquiries into individuals associated with Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. On April 22, 1976, the FBI sought clarification from Time Inc. regarding photographs of MLK taken by Joseph Low in 1968, which were retained in FBI files due to objections from Richard Seamon, Time Inc.'s director. A newspaper article referenced a retired Scotland Yard detective who claimed an individual (possibly James Earl Ray) implied he killed MLK due to his father's death, though the claim was not substantiated.  

On December 1, 1978, Daniel McMahon of Belleville, New Jersey, reported that John Ray registered at the Sheraton-McAlpine Hotel in Manhattan during 1964–1965, associated with Ralph Abernethy and MLK Sr., who were involved in SCLC activities. McMahon noted Ray’s connection to the Abernethy group and described him as having a "deep penetrating personality." Robert Policastro, a room clerk, allegedly confirmed Ray’s ties to the group. McMahon expressed unease about Ray’s presence and later contacted the Newark Division after learning of House Assassination Committee hearings.  

A December 6, 1978, document reiterated McMahon’s assertion that John Ray resembled Jerry Ray (his brother) and provided additional details about his hotel stay and employment at a restaurant and radio station. The Newark Division concluded no further action was warranted.  

Key People  
- **Richard Seamon**: Director of Editorial Services at Time Inc., who controlled access to photographs of MLK.  
- **John Ray**: Allegedly associated with Ralph Abernethy and MLK Sr. at the Sheraton-McAlpine Hotel in 1964–1965.  
- **Ralph Abernethy**: Linked to MLK Sr. and SCLC activities; served as pastor of a church in Atlanta.  
- **Daniel McMahon**: Provided information about John Ray’s hotel stay and alleged connections.  
- **Robert Policastro**: Room clerk at the Sheraton-McAlpine Hotel who may have known John Ray.  

Key Locations  
- **Sheraton-McAlpine Hotel, Manhattan, New York**: Where John Ray registered during 1964–1965.  
- **Belleville, New Jersey**: Home of Daniel McMahon.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Location of Ralph Abernethy’s church.  

Key Events  
- **April 22, 1976**: FBI sought clarification from Time Inc. regarding MLK photographs retained in files.  
- **December 1, 1978**: Daniel McMahon reported John Ray’s hotel stay and alleged connections to SCLC figures.  
- **December 6, 1978**: Reinforcement of McMahon’s claims about John Ray’s identity and activities.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted inquiries into individuals linked to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)**: Organization associated with Ralph Abernethy and MLK Sr.  
- **House Assassination Committee**: Mentioned in context of public hearings related to James Earl Ray’s case.

MLK Declassified Files

44-ny-1609_sec_006_ser_621-part_8_of_8.pdf

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