</s>SI 44-561 . A. RECORDS RE JAMES EARL RAY - 142 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains fragmented investigative records related to the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (Dr. KING) and associated inquiries into potential suspects, including James Earl Ray’s incarceration at Pontiac State Penitentiary, Illinois, and interviews with former inmates and individuals linked to his movements. It references prior threats against MLK, composite suspect drawings, and anonymous tips about individuals allegedly planning his assassination. The text includes descriptions of suspects such as Jerome J. Trares, Robert L. Plunk, and ERIC STARVO GALT, along with details on license plates, vehicle registrations, and administrative notes from law enforcement agencies. Social Security numbers are present but redacted (e.g., "361 072397" noted as [SSN REDACTED]).  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Accused of assassinating MLK; incarcerated at Pontiac State Penitentiary prior to 1951.  
- **Fred Petrackis**: Former inmate at Pontiac Honor Farm; stated no recollection of Ray.  
- **Norman Dean**: Barber and former inmate; denied knowledge of Ray during incarceration.  
- **Charles B. Redd**: Former inmate at Pontiac State Farm in 1959; described as a 38-year-old man with a limp, blonde hair, and criminal record.  
- **Kenneth D. Fosdyck**: Interviewed regarding potential ties to Ray; provided no information.  
- **Dwight Rowe**: Resided in Kewanee, Illinois; family contacted but no direct link to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Carl Rice**: Suspect in composite drawing; linked to narcotics and racial matters.  
- **Billy Ray King**: Interviewed by FBI in 1968; claimed knowledge of MLK’s whereabouts in Memphis but denied involvement.  
- **Allen Richard Thayer**: Arrested in Springfield, Illinois; described as matching the suspect profile for MLK’s assassination.  
- **William Lohmeyer**: Farmer in Strawn, Illinois; investigated as a potential suspect.  
- **Jerome J. Trares**: White male, born June 9, 1911; described with physical traits and travel details from Memphis, Illinois.  
- **Robert L. Plunk**: White male, age 34, born November 28, 1933; linked to a train journey and an artist’s sketch resembling the assassin.  
- **D.L. Peterson**: Leasing company employee associated with vehicles in Granite City, Illinois.  
- **Kenneth Newell**: Identified ERIC STARVO GALT but could not confirm matches to a composite photograph.  
- **James J. McGovern** and **George L. Ward**: Linked to license plates and vehicle registrations; SSN [SSN REDACTED] noted for McGovern.  

Key Locations  
- **Pontiac State Penitentiary, Illinois**: Site of Ray’s incarceration and interviews with former inmates.  
- **Kewanee, Illinois**: Home to Dwight Rowe and his family; mentioned in connection with Ray.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Location of MLK’s assassination; referenced in statements by Billy Ray King.  
- **Rock Island, Illinois**: Where Billy Ray King was interviewed by FBI agents.  
- **Madison, Illinois**: Mentioned as a location for Charles B. Redd and others.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Plunk’s residence and train connections.  
- **Granite City, Illinois**: Linked to D.L. Peterson and Lipsett Steel Products Company.  
- **Poughkeepsie, Illinois**: Address mentioned in unclear text.  

Key Events  
- **Interviews with former inmates** at Pontiac State Penitentiary regarding James Earl Ray’s presence and activities.  
- **Investigation into potential suspects**, including Billy Ray King, Allen Richard Thayer, and William Lohmeyer, linked to MLK’s assassination.  
- **Anonymous tips** about individuals planning to assassinate MLK, such as a man at the West Lane Motel in Marion, Arkansas.  
- **Composite suspect drawings** circulated by media (e.g., Peoria television) for public identification.  
- **FBI interviews** with Billy Ray King and others regarding his movements and knowledge of MLK’s activities in Memphis.  
- **Trares’ travel from Memphis to Illinois on April 4, 1968**, noted as inconsistent with an unknown suspect.  
- **Plunk’s train journey to Missouri** and his resemblance to the assassin’s sketch.  
- **Investigation into license plates (e.g., D 310G)** and vehicle registrations linked to suspects.  
- **Composite photograph of ERIC STARVO GALT** used in identification efforts, though no match was confirmed.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews and investigations into suspects, including Billy Ray King.  
- **Local law enforcement agencies**: Including Springfield, Illinois Police Department; Rock Island Police Department; Kankakee, Illinois police.  
- **Minutemen**: Mentioned as a potential group associated with the assassination per an anonymous tip.  
- **Lipsett Steel Products Company**: Linked to D.L. Peterson and vehicle leasing.  
- **Veterans Administration Hospital**: Mentioned in Plunk’s disability claim.  
- **Motor Vehicle Bureau (Springfield, Illinois)**: Provided license plate and driver’s license information for McGovern and Ward.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_014_ser_576_only-part_4_of_5.pdf

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