</s>SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) 4/12/68 SAC. ST. LOUIS (444-775) P MURKIN CR 00: ME Re St. Louis tel to Director, Birmingham and Memphis this date, re suspect JOHN WILLARD. Enclosed herewith is 1962 photo of JOHN ROTUS. WILLARD, FBI #920 04, E, as mentioned in retel. - Memphis (Inc. - 1 - 1) (AM) St. Louis HID: pdp (3) 1/2 SEARCHED SERIALIZED INDEXED FILLED 44-77F-92 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: The documents detail an FBI investigation into Eric Starvo Galt (also known as Harvey Lowymer and John Willard) in connection with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Galt is alleged to have conspired with others to violate King's civil rights, including his right to travel, through threats, intimidation, or violence. The FBI reports that Galt purchased a 30.06 rifle with a telescopic sight in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 30, 1966, which was later found near the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis after the shooting. A white Mustang, registered to Galt and abandoned in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 11, 1968, is linked to his movements. The FBI seeks information about Galt's travels, employment history (including claims of working as a cook on Mississippi River vessels and a merchant seaman), and associations. His physical description includes brown hair in a "brush" cut, blue eyes, and a nervous habit of pulling an earlobe. The documents also reference VA hospital records, marriage certificates, and other administrative files to trace Galt's identity and activities.  

Key People:  
- **Eric Starvo Galt** (also known as Harvey Lowymer, John Willard) – Suspected conspirator in the assassination plot against MLK.  
- **Ernest S. Gault** – Possibly a relative or alias of Galt; mentioned in VA hospital and marriage records.  
- **Nina Brewen (nee Walker)** – Wife of Ernest Gault, referenced in marital records.  
- **William O. and Lula Gault** – Parents of Ernest Gault.  
- **Harry Surling** – Reported to have provided information about Ernest Gault.  

Key Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** – Site of MLK's assassination; the Lorraine Hotel where he was staying.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama** – Where Galt allegedly purchased the rifle and car.  
- **New Orleans, Louisiana** – Mentioned in Galt’s travel history and VA hospital records.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia** – Location of the abandoned Mustang linked to Galt.  
- **Little Rock, Arkansas** – Reference to marriage and family records.  

Key Events:  
- **April 4, 1968** – Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis.  
- **March 30, 1966** – Galt allegedly purchased the rifle used in the assassination.  
- **April 11, 1968** – Abandonment of Galt’s white Mustang in Atlanta.  
- **April 17, 1968** – FBI released photographs and descriptions of Galt for public identification.  
- **April 15–17, 1968** – FBI coordinated searches across multiple locations to locate Galt and verify his identity.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)** – Conducted the investigation, issued warrants, and released information about Galt.  
- **Veterans Administration (VA)** – Provided records on Galt’s medical history and claims.  
- **Mississippi Valley Barge Line Co.** – Mentioned in employment verification efforts.  
- **Salvation Army** – Referenced in tracking Galt’s social activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_01-01-part_4_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search