</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-641) F.B.I Date: 14-8-68 Transmit the following in PLAINTEXT Type in plantexet or code) TELETYPE URGENT Via (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR PBI AND MEMPHIS FROM: SAC, ST. LOUIS (44-775) MURKIN GENE GANTARELL (PROTECT IDENTITY) SIKESTON, MISSOURI PHONE GR ONE EIGHTEEN ZERO ONE TELE PHONICALLY ADVISED ST. LOUIS DIVISION THAT IS HIS ACQUAINTED WITH CHARLEY ROBERTS WHO LIVES IN MEMPHISH TENN AND WORKS AT FIRESTONE FIRE WHO LIVES IN MEMPHS TENN and WORKS IN SIKESTON MISSOURLI COMPANY THERE. The LAST SAM ROBERTA IN SIXESTONE MISSOURSI TWO MONTHS PRIOR AT WHICH TIME ROBERTO'S SAID HE HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED A THIRTY ZERO SIX RIFLE TO KILL MARTIN LUTHER KING. ROBERTHS LAST LAST ZERO TO BE DRIVING A WHITE MUSTAND, YEAR UNKNOWN. ACCORDING TO CANTAREILL, ROBERTELL, ROBEETS HAS PRIOR ARREAST RECORD WITH MEMPHIS PD FOR ASSAULT. HIS PRESENT WHEREABOUT UNKNOWN, DESCRIBED AS WHITE, MALE, AGE TWO THREE, MEDIUM HEIGHT AND BUILD, LIGHT BROWN HAIR, GREEN EYES, SILLY GRIN. MEMPHIPS CONSIDER AS SUSPECT AND OBTAIN IDENTIFYING DATA FOR ELIMINATION PURPOSES. P SEARCHED Wilton-counl 16/16/16 SERIALIZED INDEXED (1) St. Louis (1] St.Louis, ASAC-9:35PM Filed JAR :- Jaf Approved: Per Special Agent in Charge Sent M F.M. Per- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents consist of FBI internal reports and memos from the late 1960s, primarily focusing on investigations into crimes linked to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which occurred on April 4, 1968. The records reference field offices in St. Louis, Memphis, Birmingham, and other U.S. cities, detailing efforts to identify suspects connected to the murder and related civil unrest. Suspects such as Eric Starvo Galt, Lynn Ray Cleveland, and Donnie Leon Harden are mentioned, with physical descriptions, addresses, and military serial numbers provided for identification. The documents also include credit checks, criminal records, and inquiries into Army personnel files. Some entries reference a codename "MURKIN" and note the use of secure communication methods like teletype systems. Inconsistencies, garbled text, or errors are noted, likely due to age or transcription issues. The materials span April 1968 to May 1972, reflecting the FBI’s post-assassination investigations and broader civil rights context. Social security numbers (SSNs) present in the original text have been redacted, with instances replaced by [REDACTED].  

Key People  
- **Eric Starvo Galt**: A white male described as a "barger" (river worker) in Alabama, associated with a 1966 Mustang and potential ties to the Galt family.  
- **Lynn Ray Cleveland**: Suspected of involvement in Dr. King’s assassination, linked to St. Louis and radical groups.  
- **Donnie Leon Harden**: A military veteran with an assigned Army serial number, checked for civilian or military status.  
- **FBI Agents/Personnel**: Mentioned as conducting investigations across multiple field offices.  

Key Locations  
- **St. Louis, Memphis, Birmingham**, and other U.S. cities (specific addresses include 2337 Whitmore Ave., St. Louis).  
- **Alabama** (linked to Galt and Harden).  

Key Events  
- **Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.**: Occurred on April 4, 1968, prompting nationwide unrest and FBI investigations.  
- **Post-assassination inquiries**: Focus on tracking suspects, military records, and criminal backgrounds.  
- **Secure communication use**: Teletype headers (e.g., "FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64)") and code-like phrases ("PLAINTEXT", "TELETYPE") indicate secure transmission methods.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central to the investigations, with field offices in multiple cities.  
- **U.S. Army**: Mentioned in personnel records checks for suspects like Donnie Leon Harden.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_01-01-part_2_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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