</s>SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) 6/7/68 SAC), WFO (44~703) (P) MURKIN Re JAMES TROY GOOCH, JR. Enclosed for Memphis are 15 copies each of IRF and report insert reflecting investigation re GOOGH. For the information of Memphis the gun in the possession S & WFOCH at the time of his arrest was a 38 calibier S & S of the time at his arrest were a 38 number 1027/57, snubhouse, NCIC advised that the gun, serial as of 102767, had been stolen by the demarco PD this information was furnished by the Department, WDC, on RICHARD DEANE, Metropolitan Police Department, WDG, on 4/24/68. WFO is conducting no further investigation concerning GOOCh. 2 - Memphis (Enco. 30) 2-2-RVD WFO (3) WFO 2-Memphis (Enc. 30). Seorched Seri-Tee: San. inincenl Sue inincerl 25/5 Incred 25/6 Filed 4/5/15 41/3-6660 4/31 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details investigations into James Earl Ray’s movements and alleged involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4, 1968). It references FBI tracking of Ray in Lisbon, including hotel registrations under aliases like Raymond Sneydy and interactions with a "spacekeeper" at an airport. The U.S. Department of Justice sought extradition for Ray from the United Kingdom, citing murder charges related to MLK’s assassination and bank robbery allegations. British authorities, including Scotland Yard, were involved in extradition proceedings, while Canadian passport fraud concerns and laxity in issuance are noted. A stolen 38-caliber S&W revolver (serial number 102767) linked to Memphis, Tennessee, and James Troy Gooch Jr. is mentioned as part of an unrelated investigation. The FBI conducted fingerprint analysis on Ray and canceled fugitive publicity for him after his arrest in 1968. Fragmented references to conspiracy theories, witness statements, and legal proceedings are included, though some content appears incomplete or garbled due to formatting issues.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Accused of assassinating MLK; tracked in Lisbon under aliases, involved in passport applications and extradition proceedings.  
- **Arthur Jackson Hanes**: Passport applicant with ties to Birmingham, Alabama, linked to Ray’s activities.  
- **Former Birmingham mayor**: Alleged representative of Ray in legal matters.  
- **Nigel Mow**: U.S. attorney involved in extradition case against Ray.  
- **Robert G. Jensen** (SAC, Memphis) and **Kenneth L. Pless** (FBI agent): Involved in envelope delivery and investigation logistics.  
- **Frank Miller**: Defense lawyer for MLK’s case; referenced in administrative notes.  
- **Magistrate Frank**: British court official presiding over extradition hearings.  
- **U.S. Attorney**: Argued for Ray’s extradition and prosecution.  
- **Scottish Yard officials** and **Canadian police officers**: Mentioned as part of Ray’s alleged connections.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination and Gooch Jr.’s gun investigation.  
- **London, United Kingdom**: Location of extradition hearings at Bow Street Magistrates’ Court.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Linked to Ray’s legal representation and passport applications.  
- **Ottawa, Canada**: Context for passport fraud concerns and Ray’s alleged connections.  
- **Lisbon, Portugal**: Central to tracking Ray’s movements; referenced as a location for hotel stays and airport interactions.  
- **Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C.**: Mentioned in context of envelope delivery via Braniff Airlines.  

Key Events  
- **June 1968**: FBI canceled fugitive publicity for James Earl Ray after his arrest. Extradition trial set for June 27, 1968, in London.  
- **May–June 1968**: Tracking efforts in Lisbon involving Ray’s hotel registrations and interactions with unnamed individuals.  
- **Legal proceedings** in Bow Street Magistrates’ Court: U.S. sought extradition for murder charges related to MLK’s assassination and bank robbery allegations.  
- **Passport applications** by Arthur Jackson Hanes and others, including fraud concerns in Canada.  
- **FBI envelope delivery**: Delivered via Braniff Airlines Flight 617, referenced in legal documentation.  
- **Fragmented references** to conspiracy theories, witness statements, and extradition arguments over jurisdiction and evidence.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted investigations into Ray’s fugitive status, fingerprint analysis, and envelope delivery logistics.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Led extradition efforts against Ray for murder charges.  
- **British Scotland Yard** and **London Metropolitan Police**: Involved in UK investigations and extradition proceedings.  
- **Canadian Passport Affairs Department**: Mentioned in context of passport fraud concerns.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Political figures and legal connections tied to Ray’s activities.  
- **U.S. Department of State (Passport Office)**: Administered passport records and legal background checks.

MLK Declassified Files

44-wfo-703_742153_10-03-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search