</s>FD 245 (REV 413-00) H. S. E. Eppurtant of Justire (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION FEDERAL BUREAU of DO NOT DESTROY HISTORICIAL VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES INVESTIGATION Volume Number: Sedile Bureau File Number 44. 3896/ Volume Number. ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN'S INCLASSEFER DATE 11/11/14/18 BY SPICLK/A See also Nos. Dukka Clarek Putia Dutasas H.S.A.T.C. MADE IN U.S ., 18-2880 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details accounts from Reverend KYLES and others regarding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. KYLES described witnessing Dr. King being shot while standing near Room 306, noting the direction of the gunshot as coming from the west toward the east. He observed Reverend JAMES L. BEVEL and others nearby, including individuals associated with the sanitation workers strike. KYLES estimated the time of the shooting and recounted seeing Dr. King's prone body on the balcony floor, facing south. He noted a "gaping hole" near Dr. King’s cheekbone and neck area, concluding the sound was a gunshot. KYLES attempted to call an ambulance but encountered difficulties. Memphis police officers arrived shortly after, and Reverend ABERNATHY was seen attempting to communicate with Dr. King. The document also mentions photographs taken of Dr. King’s body, including those in Life Magazine, and references individuals present at the hotel, such as Reverend ANDREW YOUNG and HOSA WILLIANS. KYLES later stated he could not recall anyone near the scene who appeared suspicious. A separate section notes Charles Ballard’s contact with Memphis authorities on April 13, 1966, regarding his stay at the Lorraine Motel, though he claimed no knowledge of Dr. King’s shooting.  

Key People:  
- Reverend KYLES (witness to the assassination)  
- Reverend JAMES L. BEVEL (SCLC staff member present)  
- CHAUNCEY ESRKRIS (individual on the ground level during the incident)  
- Reverend ABERNATHY (attempted to communicate with Dr. King)  
- Reverend ANDREW YOUNG (dinner guest at the hotel)  
- HOSA WILLIANS (dinner guest at the hotel)  
- JOSEPH LOW (photographer staying at the motel)  
- CHARLES BALLARD (contacted Memphis authorities on April 13, 1966)  

Key Locations:  
- Lorraine Hotel (Memphis, Tennessee), specifically Room 306 and Room 360  
- Balcony of the Lorraine Hotel (where Dr. King was shot)  
- Mulberry Street (direction from which the gunshot was reportedly fired)  
- St. Joseph Hospital (where Dr. King’s body was taken)  

Key Events:  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot while standing near Room 306 on April 4, 1968.  
- Reverend KYLES and others observed the shooting from the ground level and balcony area.  
- Memphis police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting.  
- Photographs of Dr. King’s body were taken, including those published in Life Magazine.  
- Charles Ballard reported his stay at the Lorraine Motel but claimed no knowledge of the assassination.  

Key Organizations:  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  
- Memphis Police Department  
- United States Justice Department (mentioned in context of a motel guest)

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_04-03-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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