</s>2 SL 44-775 LINDA SMITH stated that residents of the neighbor- hood frequent Art's Bar which is open only on Sunday's at the corner and its bar which is opened on Sunday’s on the corner of 12th and Soudard. Linda SMITH advised that she will immediately notify the Eddie Sang's Bar on the formation concerning RAY. It was noted that the apartment house at 1800 South South Boulevard. house at 1801 South Boulevard apartment house at 1809 EDDIE SANG, 1800 South 12th Street, owner of Eddie Sang's Tavera at the South address advised that he has seen photography of RAY looks familiar and he believes he has been this man before. SANG pointed out that he first noted the families before. SAMG pointed out how he first noticed the in the newsroom. He stated that he believed the face with the newspaper. He stayed that he cannot associate the name with a customer at his tavern but cannot associate he the name with the face. He advised that several ex-convicts the face one of his friends who were involved in the same one as a JACK (last known unknown white, male, and believed to be from Arkansas. He advised that this JACK was suspected of a shooting in the neighborhood that he survived in the burglary of a shooting at the neighborhood involved in this area. He survived in this case. Art's Tavern, lithith and Soulard. He barred JACK (Last name unknown) from his place and business and does not know where he could be located at present. MILDERED LAKAS, 1118 Soulard, could furnish no information regarding the subject. ALBERT JOBE, 1118 SoulARD, could finish no address since since July, 1967. Prior to that time he resided at 1821 South Boulevard and does NOT recall over having seen the subject in the Neighborhood and pointed out there that he frequently visits nearby nearby. Mr. and Mrs. MRS. RICHARD GRAYBULL, 1107a Souldard. Could furnish no information concerning the subject, they have residued at this address for approximately four years. CHRISTINE GREENWAY, 11107 Soudar, has resided at this address approximately two years. She could furnish n0 information concerning the Subject. SHIRLEY FURST, 1107 SOUNDARD, advised that the center photograph of the subject looks familiar, but she cannot associate the face with a name or place. Mrs. HURST pointed 77 2025 RELEASE UNDER.E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements and associations following his escape from Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) in 1967, with a focus on St. Louis, Missouri, and surrounding areas. Interviews with residents, business owners, and former inmates were conducted to identify Ray or individuals linked to him. Residents like Eddie Sang and Linda Smith reported sightings of a man resembling Ray, though no confirmed identification was made. The FBI also reviewed records of unidentified deaths in St. Louis County and contacted charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army and Rescue Mission for information on individuals staying in lower-class housing. Former inmates at MSP, including Walter Nolan and Richard Reno, described Ray’s behavior during incarceration, noting his reclusive nature and alleged use of amphetamines. Ray’s escape was reportedly facilitated by a stolen civilian clothing theft, with speculation about his subsequent movements to St. Louis. Interviews with relatives like Jerry Raynes suggested Ray may have been dead or out of the country due to an extensive manhunt. A June 1968 FBI FD-302 form documented Raynes’ interview, during which he mentioned a person named Shira Han Rohman and expressed beliefs about conspiracy theories involving the Kennedy family and assassination acts.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray** (subject of investigation; alleged escape from MSP in 1967)  
- **Eddie Sang** (bar owner at 1800 South 12th Street, reported sighting of a man resembling Ray)  
- **Linda Smith** (neighborhood resident who notified Eddie Sang’s bar about Ray)  
- **Walter Nolan** (former MSP inmate who described Ray’s prison life and escape)  
- **Richard Reno** (inmate with brief interactions with Ray; denied significant connection)  
- **Jerry Raynes** (relative of Ray, stated Ray was likely dead or out of the country)  
- **Carol Pepper** (daughter of Jerry Raynes, mentioned in June 1968 FBI interview)  
- **Dale Underwood** (incarcerated at MSP; reported no direct contact with Ray but mentioned association with Ralph Renfro)  
- **Milton Zavoloski** (inmate who noted Ray’s escape prior to 1967)  
- **James David Daily** (restaurant owner in Portageville, Missouri, interacted with Thomas B. Crews, an escaped prisoner)  

Key Locations  
- **Mississippi Avenue, Soulard neighborhood, South Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri** (areas where residents were interviewed for sightings of Ray)  
- **St. Louis County, Missouri** (context of unidentified deaths investigations)  
- **Jefferson City, Missouri** (site of Missouri State Penitentiary and inmate transfers)  
- **Joplin, Missouri** (alleged association between Ray and Ralph Renfro)  
- **Portageville, Missouri** (Daily’s residence; interactions with Thomas B. Crews)  
- **Center, Missouri** (Raynes’ residence; location of June 1968 FBI interview)  

Key Events  
- FBI interviews with residents and business owners in St. Louis neighborhoods to identify Ray or associates (1965–1968).  
- Investigation into unidentified white male cadavers in St. Louis County following April 4, 1968.  
- Review of parole records for Russell P. Brannen and other inmates to assess potential connections to Ray.  
- Interviews with former inmates at Missouri State Penitentiary regarding Ray’s prison life, escape via stolen clothing, and alleged financial dealings.  
- Jerry Raynes’ statements in June 1968 suggesting Ray was likely dead or out of the country due to an extensive manhunt.  
- FBI FD-302 form documenting Raynes’ interview, including references to Shira Han Rohman and conspiracy theories involving assassination acts and the Kennedy family.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** (conducted interviews, surveillance, and coordinated investigations)  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary** (site of Ray’s incarceration and interactions with inmates)  
- **Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, and other charitable organizations** (contacted for information on individuals in lower-class housing)  
- **St. Louis Police Department** (provided records of field interrogations and FIRs for suspicious persons)

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_017_ser_651-697-part_6_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search