</s>JN 157-9586 2 W. S. BLOUNT 3496 Lenardo Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia (Right Contracting Company) R. C. BOBO 212 North West Waukegan, Illinois Mr. and Mrs. C, F. GRACE 2920 Graill Wichita, Kansas GEORGE WALKER 14 Hilby Road Louisville, Kentucky License J29-270, Chevrolet Louisville. Kentucky Mr. & Mrs. & Mr. &. PLATT P. O. Box 163 Angola, Louisiana JOHN D. Smith 2334 Coronet Place Jackson, Mississippi M. COLEMAN 9674 McCoghan Avenue Long Beach, Mississippi SHIRLEY JACKSON 4 Elm Street Natchez, Mississippi JIMMIE L. KIMERY Byhalie, Mississippi License 47-504, 1965 Dodge JAMES I. TERPO 214 Pollard Batesville, Mississippi License 54-1293, 1966 Plymouth 2022 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains a compilation of FBI records related to the investigation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s (MLK) assassination, focusing on motel registration data and investigative efforts during March 29–April 3, 1968. It includes names, addresses, license plate numbers, and vehicle details from the Cannonner Motel and El-Ray Motel in Corinth, Mississippi, as well as other motels in Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. The FBI sought to identify individuals associated with James Earl Ray, a suspect in MLK’s assassination, by cross-referencing motel records with criminal databases and contacting relatives of suspects such as Jerry Ray (James Earl Ray’s brother) and John Ray. References to "JERKY RAY" and "JERRY RAY" suggest attempts to verify movements or connections to conspiracy theories. The document also notes FBI wiretapping activities related to MLK, approved by Robert F. Kennedy under presidential authority for internal security, and legal challenges leading to the release of records under Executive Order 14176.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspect in MLK’s assassination; central figure in FBI investigations.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Brother of James Earl Ray; contacted by agents regarding his whereabouts.  
- **John Ray**: Another relative of James Earl Ray, interviewed about his brother’s activities.  
- **Mrs. Carol Pepper**: Sister of Jerry Ray; provided information about her brother’s movements.  
- **J.B. Stoner**: Civil attorney mentioned in some entries as a contact for John Ray.  
- **Carl T. Rowan**: Publisher of *The Evening Star*; recipient of a letter from FBI official Clyde Jalason addressing criticism of J. Edgar Hoover.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: Former FBI Director; criticized in an article referenced by the letter.  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Late Attorney General; approved wiretapping of MLK under presidential authority.  
- **Clyde Jalason**: FBI official who corresponded with Carl T. Rowan.  
- **Charles Morgan Jr.**: Mentioned in court case context related to legal challenges against the FBI’s wiretap evidence.  

Key Locations  
- **Corinth, Mississippi** (Cannonner Motel and El-Ray Motel; key locations for motel registration records).  
- **Birmingham, Alabama** (Round-Town Motel and other motels referenced in investigations).  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** (Holiday Inn Motel and other locations checked during the FBI’s search for James Earl Ray).  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** (FBI offices involved in coordination of investigative efforts).  
- **Washington, D.C.** (Location of legal proceedings and administrative discussions involving Executive Order 14176).  
- **Jackson, Mississippi** (FBI division handling motel records).  

Key Events  
- FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s movements and associations during March 29–April 3, 1968, focusing on motel registrations in Corinth, Mississippi, and other cities.  
- Coordination between FBI divisions to gather information on suspects linked to MLK’s assassination.  
- Cross-referencing of motel records with criminal databases to identify individuals connected to the case.  
- Interviews with relatives of suspects (e.g., Jerry Ray) to determine potential involvement or knowledge of conspiracy theories.  
- Legal challenges to the use of FBI wiretap evidence in court cases, resulting in document releases under Executive Order 14176.  
- Correspondence between FBI officials and *The Evening Star* regarding an article criticizing J. Edgar Hoover’s leadership.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central agency conducting investigations into MLK’s assassination, wiretapping activities, and related conspiracies.  
- **United States Department of Justice**: Involved in legal proceedings over the FBI’s use of wiretap evidence.  
- **The Evening Star**: Media outlet that published an article criticizing J. Edgar Hoover, prompting correspondence with FBI officials.  
- **Executive Order 14176**: Directive authorizing the release of declassified documents related to the FBI’s investigation into MLK’s assassination and wiretapping activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-sl-775_742351_06-03-part_5_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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