</s>F.D.M.S.Rivn 5-22-641 F.B.I. Date: 6/25/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plaintext or code) Vic ATREET AIR MAIL (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) FROM: SAC, LOS ANGELES (44+-35861] SUBJECT: MURKIN For information of Chicago and Springfield, on 5/17/68, the Los Angeles Times had contact with one EBB (INU), who said he had information concerning what actually had taken place in connection with the death of Dr. King. the following is a summary of the allegations made by BOB: 1. The day before the shooting, RAY was picked up in Athens, Alabama, was taken to Memphis. 2. The registered in a rooming house. Another men registered as SAMUEL LEWIS. LEWISS was supposed to be the backstreet as SAMUELL LEWINS. LEMIS was supposed that night if RAY missed his chance on the balcony. 3. After shooting KING, RAV walked two or three blocks to the getaway car, accompanied by a girl and a guy. The car was a new blue Duck, with Alabama license plates. The first digits of the license are bellevato of Huntsville, Alabama. It was found and taken by EDDIE WILBURM of Huntsbury, Alabama was one of the following authorities to pick up a radio. The second man stayed overnight and then took an early bus to Knoxville. 3. Bureau-By-Gimmel. Chicago-by-Gima.l 1 - Springfield.d. dit-a.m.a.t. 1 - Los Angeles 1 -Los Angeles SEARCHED: INCLUDED RCK/GJA (8) SERIALIZED: FLED.Clay. JUN 2 7 1968. FBI: SPRINGFIELD Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Pct 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities in connection with the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bank robberies in Alton, Illinois, and associated individuals. Ray is alleged to have traveled to Memphis on April 4, 1968, with accomplices including Samuel Lewis, using a blue Buick with Alabama license plates. A rifle was reportedly left in a Memphis rooming house, and Ray’s movements are linked to William Pierce (Florida/Cuba properties), William Wilburn (Huntsville, Alabama), and John Eugene Gawron (Alton bank robbery). The FBI notes inconsistencies in Ray’s statements and investigates his connections to bank robberies, including a 1959 Alton incident involving a shotgun and marked clothing. Administrative records reference coordination between FBI offices in Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis, and Memphis, as well as efforts to locate Lester Edward Packett as an informant. A separate May 1968 document includes phone number tracking in Missouri, legal proceedings for an unnamed subject’s 1964 conviction, and a burglary report at 1803 S. Eleventh Street in St. Louis.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (RAY): Suspected assassin of MLK; linked to Memphis travel, bank robberies, and connections to Pierce, Wilburn, and Gawron.  
- Samuel Lewis (LEWIS): Accompanied RAY in Memphis; later discharged from prison in Michigan.  
- William Wilburn (WILBURM): Associated with Huntsville, Alabama, and RAY’s alleged bank robbery activities.  
- William Pierce (PIERCE): Allegedly owned a plane and properties in Florida and Cuba; connected to RAY’s movements.  
- John Eugene Gawron (GAWRON): Linked to Alton, Illinois, bank robbery involving a shotgun and marked clothing.  
- Lester Edward Packett (PACKETT): Identified as a potential informant sought by FBI.  
- John Eugene Carpon (CARPON): Unreliable PCI (Person of Interest) whose information is deemed false.  
- Jimmy Carpenter (corrected to Carpenter): Alleged bank robber in Alton, Illinois; provided a .38 caliber revolver to source.  
- Rensley, Gavron: Suspects in St. Louis burglary case at 1803 S. Eleventh Street.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Site of MLK’s assassination; RAY allegedly stayed in a rooming house.  
- Kansas City, Missouri: Mentioned as a location where RAY stayed overnight.  
- Huntsville, Alabama: Home to WILBURM and linked to the blue Buick with Alabama plates.  
- Alton, Illinois: Site of 1967 bank robbery involving a shotgun and marked clothing; also tied to 1959 robbery.  
- St. Louis, Missouri: Includes 1803 S. Eleventh Street (burglary site), residences of Ramsey and source, and Circuit Court.  
- Belle Glade, Florida: Mentioned as a destination for RAY’s travel; linked to PIERCE’s properties.  

Key Events  
- Alleged planning of MLK’s assassination by RAY in Memphis on April 4, 1968.  
- Travel of RAY and accomplices via blue Buick with Alabama plates to Kansas City and Florida.  
- Bank robbery in Alton, Illinois (July 13, 1967), involving a shotgun and marked clothing; linked to RAY and Gawron.  
- Investigation into RAY’s connections to Pierce, Wilburn, and LEWIS, including travel patterns and financial transactions.  
- Efforts by FBI offices to locate Lester Edward Packett as an informant.  
- Legal proceedings regarding a 1964 armed robbery conviction for an unnamed subject in Missouri; deferred due to public reaction concerns.  
- Metropolitan Police Department burglary report at 1803 S. Eleventh Street, including bloodstains and interviews with suspects Rensley and Gavron.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted investigations into RAY’s activities, bank robberies, informants like PACKETT, and case coordination across offices.  
- St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department: Handled burglary reports at 1803 S. Eleventh Street and arrests related to Ramsey and source.  
- Missouri State Penitentiary: Mentioned as a location where an unnamed subject served time for a 1964 conviction.  
- Southwestern Bell Telephone Company: Provided telephone number updates for Albert Pepper and Jerry Raynes in May 1968.  
- St. Louis Circuit Court: Involved in legal proceedings regarding the 1964 armed robbery case.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_017_ser_651-697-part_3_of_8.pdf

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