</s>PTO-248 (HEV. 4:19-007) H. S. Department of Justice (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILED DO NOT DESTROY PENDING LICITIGATION 500 FEDERAL BUREAU 19-13-03 of ENTIRE FILE REVIEWE FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION 5/22/92 INVESTIGATION DO NOT RESTROY, PREDING LITIGATICATION Bureau File Number 4/4-38861 Santile. DO NOT DETROY. PENOING LUTIGATIOM Vacation Number: CLASSIFIED NRCORITORIATIOCO DO NOT DESTROY HISTORIAL VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES See also No. DO NOT ESTROY, HISTORTICAL VALUE, NATIONAL ARHIVES Dawson4568 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains multiple teletype messages and internal FBI records from April 5-8, 1968, detailing aspects of the investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee. A man named John C. Thomas, residing in Maryland, was reported to have carried a box labeled "MAUSER" on a Delta Airlines flight (Flight 725) from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta, Georgia. The box was stored by the stewardess during the flight and later returned to its owner. The individual was described as approximately five feet eleven inches tall, stocky, and wearing sunglasses.  

On April 8, 1968, Dale Crowley in Washington, D.C., received a report from Mrs. R.L. Wells of Alexandria, Virginia, who claimed to have seen someone resembling the published image of MLK’s alleged assassin. Crowley noted that the individual might be connected to past police troubles involving the person’s son.  

An anonymous phone call to the FBI on April 4, 1968, led to a tip about "Ed Mead" or "Ed Mears" in Madonna, Ohio, though no further details were provided. The caller hung up before additional information could be obtained.  

The FBI also initiated searches for individuals with surnames Lowmer/Lowyer, suspecting they might be linked to the case due to a rifle found near the crime scene that was purchased under those names. Records of textile marking machines used for encoding messages were compiled, including details on their operation and locations where such equipment was found.  

Key People:  
- John C. Thomas (Maryland) – reported carrying a box labeled "MAUSER" on a flight to Atlanta.  
- Dale Crowley (Washington, D.C.) – received information about potential sightings of the assassin.  
- Mrs. R.L. Wells (Alexandria, Virginia) – claimed to have seen someone resembling the killer.  
- Ed Mead/Ed Mears (Madonna, Ohio) – name provided via anonymous call.  
- Harvey Lowmer/Lowyer – suspect linked to a rifle found near the crime scene.  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee – site of MLK’s assassination.  
- Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Georgia – locations of flights and reports.  
- Alexandria, Virginia – where Mrs. R.L. Wells resided.  
- Madonna, Ohio – location mentioned in anonymous tip.  
- Various laundry facilities in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas – sites of textile machine searches.  

Key Events:  
- April 8, 1968 – Teletype reports on John C. Thomas’s box and Mrs. R.L. Wells’ sighting.  
- April 4, 1968 – Anonymous call leading to tip about Ed Mead/Ed Mears.  
- FBI searches for individuals with surnames Lowmer/Lowyer and textile machines used for encoding messages.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – conducted investigations, searches, and compiled records.  
- Delta Airlines – flight involved in the transport of the box labeled "MAUSER."  
- Textile Marking Machine Company – provided details on machines used for encoding messages.

MLK Declassified Files

44-wfo-703_742153_09-01-part_1_of_5.pdf

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