</s>TD-245 (REV. 4-13-80) #5-75-75 H. S. Department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED CLARIFORNIA NO. FEDERAL BUREAU ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED DO NOT DESTROY FOR HISTORICAL HISTORICAL VALUE of DECLASSIFICATION NATIONAL ARCHIVES ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ALL IS UNCLASSIFIED DATE: 30/01/01-01/02/0101/03/01 INVESTIGATION DATE(S:UNCLASSIFIED) Bureau File Number 44-3881 44-3861 fue 3.3.19 Series 1002-1 Volume Number Bureaua File Number 4/4-3891 Smith Hast49/99 Ree 8-24/78 Niree RE09A-To-C-8/22/78 Rue3-5-76 See also Nos. Lub.A. NRP3-P-2-27-76 for aure shipping NRP2-P2-22-77-76 K.O.C.L.O-1/4/25/24/25.24 Gree 1-25/29.24 Burtte 10.17.79 K.Wolliams 10-19.94 DO NOT DESTROY - PRESERVE FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASTICATIONS wih wich 18-196224 2023 RELEASE UNDEREO.O 14/76

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI investigative efforts related to potential connections between individuals and events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Key figures include Pamela Jane Schneider, ex-wife of John McClintock, who reported Harold Richard Covington living with Willie Sie in Alton, Illinois, during July–August 1967. She noted Covington had a gun but no details on its type or usage. The FBI sought to interview Willie Lee and Covington, as well as Jerry Ray’s associates, including Johnny Lee Lucas and Mary HND, for potential links to the investigation.  

Clifford Edmondson, a former Air Force member convicted of murder via court-martial in 1967, was tracked by the FBI due to his mental health issues (diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia) and history of violent behavior. His letters referenced JFK’s assassination and included claims about prison guards, though these were later deemed unreliable. John Ray, a suspect linked to MLK’s murder, wrote a letter from Heathfield Road Prison in London, denying involvement in the killing and stating he would not sign extradition papers. The FBI emphasized caution in approaching Ray due to his mental state and criminal history.  

Key People:  
- **Pamela Jane Schneider**: Ex-wife of John McClintock; reported Covington’s residence and gun possession in Althan, Illinois.  
- **Harold Richard Covington**: Allegedly lived with Willie Sie in Alton, Illinois, during 1967; no confirmed ties to MLK assassination.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Suspect linked to MLK’s murder; arrested in Memphis for intoxication; wrote a letter denying involvement.  
- **John Ray**: Brother of Jerry Ray; received a prison letter from John Ray, which included claims about legal cases and potential extradition issues.  
- **Clifford Edmondson**: Convicted Air Force murderer (1967); diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; referenced JFK assassination in letters.  

Key Locations:  
- **Alton, Illinois**: Covington’s alleged residence; Schneider’s reporting location.  
- **Heathfield Road Prison, London**: John Ray’s incarceration site; prison letter sent to his brother.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Jerry Ray’s arrest location for intoxication.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: FBI office involved in tracking leads and interviews.  

Key Events:  
- **July 1968**: FBI efforts to interview Covington, Willie Lee, and Ray’s associates; investigation into Edmondson’s mental health and criminal past.  
- **July–August 1967**: Schneider reported Covington’s residence in Alton, Illinois, with no direct ties to MLK assassination.  
- **1967 Conviction**: Clifford Edmondson convicted of murdering an Air Force member via court-martial; later released due to mental health concerns.  
- **Prison Letter (1968)**: John Ray’s letter to his brother denied involvement in MLK’s murder, citing refusal to sign extradition papers.  

Key Organizations:  
- **FBI**: Conducted interviews, tracked suspects, and reviewed records for potential links to the assassination investigation.  
- **U.S. Air Force**: Provided records on Edmondson’s conviction and mental health diagnosis.  
- **Local Police Departments (Alton, Memphis)**: Assisted in arrests and provided information on suspects.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_06-03-part_1_of_6.pdf

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