</s>ME 44-1987 ADMINISTRATIVE: Additional copies of this report have been designated for the Bureau in order that dissemination may be made to Legats, Ottawa and Mexico City. It should be noted that during interviews with certain of the subject's associates and former prison mates their stories varied from time to time. Some of their stories may have varied after this report was prepared. This is recognized but could not be reported. Any more recent information obtained from them will be set out in subsequent reports. LEADS: All offices will continue to conduct investigation in this matter will will set out all leads which appear to be appropriate. COVER PAGE 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document compiles FBI records and investigative findings related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray’s activities post-escape from Missouri State Penitentiary in April 1967. Key elements include Ray’s alleged purchase of a Remington Model 760 rifle under the name John Willard in Montreal, Canada, his movements between Alabama and Mexico, financial transactions linked to Eric GALT, and forensic evidence connecting him to the crime scene in Memphis. The FBI identified latent fingerprints on items recovered from the Lorraine Hotel matching Ray’s records, including a .30 caliber bullet fired from the recovered rifle. A grand jury indictment for first-degree murder was returned on May 7, 1968. Investigations also traced GALT’s movements between Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Atlanta, with laundry items bearing thermo seal codes (e.g., 20R-3, 028-6) linked to the assassination scene. Fragmented records from Ray’s incarceration at Missouri State Penitentiary (1956–1967) detail his alleged drug distribution, escape attempts, and interactions with inmates like Billy Brown and Jim Bradley.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of MLK Jr., linked to the Remington rifle, binoculars, and forensic evidence. Fingerprints on the rifle matched FBI records.  
- **Eric S. GALT**: Subject of investigation for financial transactions, addresses in Atlanta and Memphis, and potential connections to Ray.  
- **William D. Paisley**: Individual with whom GALT interacted; mentioned in Ray’s travel and financial records.  
- **Harvey Lowever/Lowerweyer**: Purchased firearms and ammunition later linked to Ray through forensic analysis.  
- **Jerry Rayne** and **John Han**: Relatives of Ray who visited him at Missouri State Penitentiary prior to his escape.  
- **Charles Stein** and **Rita Stein**: Associated with New Orleans and Los Angeles, connected to GALT’s movements.  
- **Jerome Wallis Vernon**: Operator of a dry cleaning company in Los Angeles linked to laundry items found near the crime scene.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK Jr.’s assassination at the Lorraine Hotel (423 South King Street). Laundry items with thermo seal codes (e.g., 20R-3) were found near the hotel.  
- **Montreal, Canada**: Ray’s alleged purchase of a rifle under the name John Willard.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: GALT’s residence and financial activities.  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri**: Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary on April 23, 1967.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico**: Ray’s travel destination post-escape.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: National Dance Studio (GALT’s dance lessons), St. Francis Hotel, and Avalon Cleaners & Laundry (linked to laundry evidence).  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana**: Hotel stays and mail forwarding service associated with GALT.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: GALT’s residence (113 14th Street, NE) and connection to the Locksmiths Institute.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: MLK Jr. was shot and killed at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis; a rifle fired from a second-floor balcony was recovered.  
- **April 5, 1968**: FBI identified latent fingerprints on items near the hotel matching James Earl Ray’s records.  
- **March–April 1967**: John Han and Jerry Rayne visited Ray at Missouri State Penitentiary prior to his escape.  
- **December 1967–April 1968**: Laundry items linked to the crime were traced through Avalon Cleaners & Laundry in Los Angeles, with thermo seal codes matching those found at the assassination scene.  
- **May 7, 1968**: Grand jury indictment for first-degree murder returned against Ray, though not publicly disclosed at the time.  
- **December 1967–January 1968**: GALT enrolled in a dance course at the National Dance Studio in Long Beach, California, with payments via Bank of America money orders.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted forensic analysis, tracked Ray’s movements, and compiled evidence linking him to the assassination.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Site of Ray’s incarceration prior to his escape; inmates reported his drug distribution and interactions.  
- **Locksmiths Institute**: Connected to Eric S. GALT through financial transactions and addresses in Atlanta.  
- **Bank of America (Hollywood, California branch)**: Used for payments linked to GALT’s activities.  
- **National Dance Studio (Long Beach, California)**: Associated with GALT’s enrollment in a dance course.  
- **Avalon Cleaners & Laundry (Los Angeles)**: Linked to laundry items found near the crime scene.

MLK Declassified Files

44-se-371_767164_02-03-part_4_of_6.pdf

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