</s>WFO 44-703 PAGE TWO CAR DESCRIBED AS WHITE MALE, AGE THINKYFIVE, SIX FOOT, ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY POUNDS, LIGHT BROWN HAIR, FAIR COMPLEXION, SLIGHTLY SUN BURNED, PLAID SHIRT. NEW HAVEN HANDLE. AIR MAIL COPIES TO MEMPHIS, BOSTON AND BALTIMORE. P. 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on leads from April 9–12, 1968. Key elements include:  
- Eric Starvo Galt, a suspect linked to gun purchases in Birmingham, Alabama, with physical descriptions (white male, 5'11", 175 lbs, blue eyes, brown hair) and maritime service connections. FBI sought handwriting comparisons and background checks on Galt.  
- John W. Aglenski, identified as driving a dark blue 1964–65 Chevrolet Malibu with license plates DE 1803, described as well-dressed with a long nose and bloodshot eyes. No criminal record found for Aglenski or his license plate.  
- Laundry tags recovered from the assassination scene, manufactured by Textile Marking Matching Company (Syracuse, NY), bearing red markings "2B-DASH SIX" or "2B-DASH ONLY." FBI alerted laundries nationwide to identify users of these tags.  
- Robert W. Ferguson, described as resembling the assassin, was investigated for potential ties to CIA and alleged connections to the "Ridge Runners," a group associated with Florida-based activities. Ferguson was reported missing and linked to a Lincoln Continental in New Hampshire.  
- A source claimed Ferguson had a composite photo of the assassin on his desk, though no conclusive evidence tied him to the crime.  
- On 4/10–12/68, FBI conducted financial checks on Galt via Washington D.C. and Maryland banks, finding no records. Similar checks were performed for other suspects, yielding negative results.  
- Walter Nathaniel Isseel was identified as a suspect linked to anti-King rhetoric and firearm possession. A cab driver in Chicago allegedly claimed King would be killed by a white man, though details remain unclear.  
- Investigations included reviewing police records, credit bureaus, passport data, and firearms history, with no conclusive evidence linking suspects to the crime.  

Key People  
- **Eric Starvo Galt**: Suspect linked to gun purchases in Birmingham; described as white male, 5'11", 175 lbs, blue eyes, brown hair.  
- **John W. Aglenski**: Driver of a dark blue Chevrolet Malibu with license plates DE 1803; no criminal record found.  
- **Robert W. Ferguson**: Described as resembling the assassin; investigated for CIA ties and alleged connections to "Ridge Runners."  
- **Walter Nathaniel Isseel**: Suspected anti-King rhetoric, firearm possession; linked to a cab driver’s claim about King’s assassination.  
- **Harvey Lowneyer/Lowyer**: Linked to purchasing a rifle in Birmingham.  
- **James G. L. Howard**: Reported sighting of a man resembling the assassin.  
- **Edward Meares**: Wealthy real estate developer in Medina, Ohio; no criminal record found.  
- **Ruby Dansby**: Reported sighting of an individual resembling MLK Jr. at the Belvoir Grill.  

Key Locations  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Galt’s suspected residence and gun purchase location; linked to a motel near Memphis where King was assassinated.  
- **Arlington, Virginia**: Aglenski’s reported last known location; Jefferson-Davis Highway, where Aglenski was linked to a Penn Air Service Station.  
- **Syracuse, New York**: Manufacturer of laundry tags found at the assassination scene.  
- **Washington, D.C., Maryland**: Sites of FBI financial checks on suspects.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: King’s assassination site; linked to a rifle used in the crime.  
- **Fairfax County, Virginia**: Location of the Belvoir Grill where an individual resembling MLK Jr. was observed.  
- **Cleveland, Ohio**: Site of communications involving Edward Meares and unrelated investigations.  

Key Events  
- **April 9–12, 1968**: FBI conducted extensive checks on suspects (Galt, Aglenski, Ferguson, Isseel) across Alabama, Virginia, New York, and Maryland, with no conclusive evidence found.  
- **Laundry tag investigation**: FBI alerted laundries nationwide to identify users of specific tags linked to the assassination scene.  
- **CIA ties**: Robert W. Ferguson was investigated for potential covert CIA employment and alleged connections to intelligence operations.  
- **Cab driver’s claim**: A Chicago cab driver allegedly claimed King would be killed by a white man, though details remain unclear.  
- **Rifle investigation**: Police records indicated a rifle used in the assassination was linked to a motel near Memphis.  
- **Sighting of MLK-like figure**: An individual resembling MLK Jr. was observed at the Belvoir Grill in Fairfax County, Virginia; utensils were collected for fingerprint analysis.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Central agency coordinating investigations, including financial checks, background inquiries, and inter-agency communication.  
- **U.S. Secret Service**: Provided information on Walter Nathaniel Isseel, a suspect with firearms history.  
- **Textile Marking Matching Company**: Manufacturer of laundry tags found at the assassination scene.  
- **Federal Reserve Banks and Savings Institutions**: Checked for financial records related to suspects like Galt and Aglenski.  
- **Cleveland Police Department**: Involved in communications regarding Edward Meares and unrelated investigations.  
- **Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department**: Conducted inquiries following the sighting of an individual resembling MLK Jr.

MLK Declassified Files

44-wfo-703_742153_09-01-part_3_of_5.pdf

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