</s>ME 44-1987 2 Mr. CUPPLES advised that after the deputy sheriff had told them to stay in the grill the believes it was a police officer that entered and told them all to write their names and addresses on a piece of paper. He said it was king until then that he and others learned that MARTIN LUTHER KING had been shot. He stated he did not hear a shot that was fired. Mr. CUPLES advises he cannot furnish any additional information concerning activity in this area. 51 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail witness accounts of events at Jim's Grill in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Multiple witnesses described their presence at the grill, police instructions to remain inside after learning about the shooting, and observations of vehicles parked nearby. Steve Cuples reported being told by a police officer to stay indoors, while David M. Wood noted a white Mustang and Cadillac without license plates. Kenneth W. Foster detailed car arrangements around the grill but claimed no activity was observed. Barry Tubbs mentioned Jimmy Walker’s car and other vehicles, confirming no gunfire was heard. Billy Ray Hoard noted locked doors after police directives, and James A. Walker described a white Mustang with dark interior. Frank Holt stated he was instructed to enter the grill and later learned of the shooting but claimed no gunfire was heard. Witnesses emphasized confusion and lack of direct observation of the shooting itself. Separate accounts link a white Mustang observed near the grill to Eric Starvo Galt via Alabama driver’s license and registration records. Medical reports from St. Joseph Hospital describe King’s fatal gunshot wound to the right side of his face and neck, with postmortem findings including severed arteries, spinal cord damage, and lung injuries. Forensic analysis of physical evidence recovered from 424 South Main Street includes firearms (Browning .243 Winchester and Remington "Gamemaster" rifles), bullet casings, clothing fragments, and personal items. Ballistic comparisons confirmed matches between bullets recovered from King and those fired from the Remington rifle, while fiber analysis linked items to a bedspread. The FBI conducted investigations into vehicle registration records and evidence handling, with administrative notes referencing subpoenas for court use.  

Key People  
- Steve Cuples  
- David M. Wood  
- Kenneth W. Foster  
- Barry Tubbs  
- Billy Ray Hoard  
- James A. Walker  
- Frank Holt  
- Jimmy Walker (grill owner)  
- Jowers (referenced in multiple accounts)  
- William Reed  
- Ray Hendricks  
- Martin Luther King Jr.  
- Eric Starvo Galt  
- Dr. Ted Galyon, Dr. Rufus Brown, Dr. Julian Barrasso (medical personnel)  
- Bessie Ruth Brewer (fingerprint card submitted)  

Key Locations  
- Jim's Grill (418 South Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee)  
- St. Joseph Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (site of King’s medical treatment)  
- Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office, Memphis, Tennessee (postmortem examination)  
- 424 South Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee (crime scene location)  
- Alabama Department of Public Safety, Montgomery, Alabama (license/registration records)  

Key Events  
- Witnesses at Jim's Grill instructed by police to stay inside after learning about King’s assassination.  
- Observation of a white Mustang near the grill linked to Eric Starvo Galt via license/registration records.  
- Medical treatment and subsequent death of Martin Luther King Jr. at St. Joseph Hospital.  
- Postmortem examination and photographic documentation of injuries.  
- Forensic analysis of firearms, bullet casings, clothing fragments, and personal items recovered from the crime scene.  
- Ballistic comparisons confirming matches between bullets fired from the Remington rifle and those recovered from King.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (investigation, evidence handling, subpoenas)  
- Memphis Police Department  
- Shelby County Sheriff's Office  
- St. Joseph Hospital (medical treatment and records)  
- Alabama Department of Public Safety (license/registration records)  
- Manufacturers (e.g., Remington Arms, Bushnell, Gillette)

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_007_ser_435_only-part_7_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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