</s>OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 14, 1984 (CITY OF) 81414 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum TO FILE (44-3711) : DATE: 5/28/68 SAC J.E. MILNES FROM : SURJECT: MURKIN On May 27, 1968, I called SAC ROBERT G. JENSEN at Memphis and discussed Bureau airtel May 7, 1968 (44.3711-2772). I told him that we had a tremendous amount of information in the files of which a great amount would not send to me to required personnel of a certain amount not sent to me in "look alikes" who was eliminated. He advised this so far as he was concerned who he saw no reason for reporting this type he was considered he was no reason he reported that he was to prepare a short report. Break it down by project! look alike, birth records, vehicle operator checks, reflecting that the project had been accomplished and reported summarily. JEM-kib (1) The Shreded lue 44-30-337 davey yogr- SEARCHED INDEXED. ausay SERIALIZED FILED MAY 1858 FBI-SEATTLE Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan 814-108 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigative activities related to James Earl Ray, a suspect in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., conducted between April and May 1968. Key points include:  
- On April 30, 1968, Justice of the Peace 3. B. Chemadly advised that Richard S. Smithell (possibly a misspelling of "Smither") was associated with individuals named Ray and Smotll, who were allegedly linked to physical and mental disturbances at Korschant Harries.  
- On April 3, 1968, Aichard G. Smothel (likely a misspelling of "Smothell") reported observing photos of a subject "Ray" but could not confirm their identity. He mentioned meeting the individual in Seattle and noted that the Seattle Union Mail had photographs potentially connected to Ray.  
- FBI offices in Memphis, Seattle, Anchorage, and Springfield coordinated efforts to track James Earl Ray, including checking phone records for calls to locations like the Virginia Hotel in Quincy, Illinois, and verifying numbers in Seattle, Washington.  
- The Bureau sought information on Bess Ray (possibly a spouse of James Earl Ray), noting she may have lived in Spokane, Washington, and later moved to Juneau, Alaska. FBI agents in Memphis requested assistance from San Juan, Puerto Rico, regarding her whereabouts but received limited details.  
- Multiple teletypes and memos reference the need to verify Ray’s marital status and movements, with instructions to avoid extensive investigations unless further leads emerged.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (suspect in MLK's assassination)  
- Richard S. Smithell (possibly a misspelling of "Smither")  
- Aichard G. Smothel (likely a misspelling of "Smothell")  
- Bess Ray (alleged spouse of James Earl Ray)  
- Edward Wienclaw (FBI agent in Puerto Rico, provided information on Bess Ray)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (FBI SAC)  
- Seattle, Washington (FBI SAC)  
- Anchorage, Alaska  
- Quincy, Illinois  
- Spokane, Washington  
- Juneau, Alaska  
- San Juan, Puerto Rico  

Key Events  
- FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s activities in Los Angeles, including bartending course enrollment and employment calls to country clubs.  
- Coordination between FBI offices to track Ray’s movements and marital status.  
- Efforts to locate Bess Ray, including phone number verification and address checks.  
- Requests for assistance from Puerto Rico regarding Bess Ray’s whereabouts.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- SAC (Special Agent in Charge) offices in Memphis, Seattle, Anchorage, Springfield, and Washington  
- Telephone companies (e.g., Illinois Bell, Quincy; Dell Telephone Company, Tucson)  
- Washington State Department of Health  
- Seattle Police Department  
- Yakima Police Department  
- U.S. Savings Bonds Payroll Savings Plan (administrative reference)

MLK Declassified Files

44-se-371_767164_02-02-part_2_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search