SAC Los Angeles to SAC Seattle re NORJAK suspect SILKWOOD investigation summary

FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64)

FBI

Date: 1/4/74

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Via AIRTEL AIR MAIL (Priority)

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THIS COPY TO

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TO: SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)

FROM: SAC, LOS ANGELES (164-497) (P)

RE: NORJAK OO: Seattle

Re Los Angeles airtels to Seattle 11/9/73, and 11/15/73; and Portland airtel to Seattle 12/4/73.

Re Suspect: [REDACTED]

Photos of the captioned individual were previously displayed to witnesses in this matter and he was not found identical or similar to the hijacker. He is described by associates as a blond headed, blue eyed, light to medium complexioned, Caucasian male and not Latin in appearance.

Based on the above, it would not appear he should be considered as a likely suspect, however, in view of his highly unusual activities and the results of recent extensive invest- igation at Los Angeles, it would appear investigation is warranted to positively eliminate him as a suspect in this matter and to ascertain if he is the subject of any other crimes, either Federal or local.

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(3) - Seattle 4 - Portland (164-41) 2 - Minneapolis (164-73) 2 - Sacramento (164-50) 2 - Los Angeles

CRS/trb (13)

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164-81-6062 SEARCHED _____ INDEXED _____ SERIALIZED _____ FILED _____ JAN 11 1974 FBI - SEATTLE

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Approved: _____________ Sent _________ M Per _________ Special Agent in Charge U.S.Government Printing Office: 1972 -- 455-574

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LA 164-497

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For the information and investigative assistance of receiving offices, the following detailed summary of investigation concerning [REDACTED] is set forth below:

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In January 1971, [REDACTED] South Bay Daily Breeze, Torrance, California, and [REDACTED] a reporter for that newspaper, advised the Los Angeles Division that during conversation with [REDACTED] Redondo Beach, California, [REDACTED] had mentioned that [REDACTED] had disappeared in a [REDACTED] was reported missing and his boat was located in Redondo Beach Harbor. Due to the time of his disappearance, it was suggested that he be considered as a possible suspect in this matter.

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On 1/25/71, [REDACTED] Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office (LACSO), Harbor Division, Redondo Beach, advised that MARGARET WOOD, [REDACTED] had reported [REDACTED] missing on [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and LASO deputies have located [REDACTED] 27 foot boat anchored a short distance off shore near Palos Verdes Penninsula, Redondo Beach, California.

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[REDACTED] led divers in an intensive search of the area for two days under good weather conditions and clear water and failed to locate a body. There was no evidence of foul play. One fishing pole was found aboard the craft and deputies could not get the engine started after boarding the craft.

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On 1/27/71, MARGARET BLANCA SILKWOOD, 22451 Roscoe Boulevard, Canoga Park, California, was interviewed at her residence. She advised that [REDACTED] who used the [REDACTED] had been [REDACTED] in Glendale, California. She stated that they were [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Mrs. SILKWOOD added that it has been very hard for her to accept the fact that [REDACTED] as she always knew him to be extremely careful. [REDACTED] was a Navy veteran and had never been a parachutist. She added

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LA 164-497

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that she would definitely be aware of any parachuting experience as she knew his habits and hobbies well. She advised that about 1960 while she [REDACTED] were living in Prospect, Oregon, near Klamath Falls, she [REDACTED] had both taken flying lessons. [REDACTED] had obtained a [REDACTED] as they had at that time moved to California and found flying too hazardous.

When asked if [REDACTED] regularly flew on commercial airlines, Mrs. SILKWOOD responded by stating she had never known him to fly commerically as he was afraid of commercial flying. She added that he would have no knowledge of commercial aircraft.

Mrs. SILKWOOD observed an artist's conception of the hijacker in this matter and advised it did not resemble [REDACTED] She stated [REDACTED] [REDACTED] was born [REDACTED] was about 5'11" - 6', about 160 - 170 pounds, had golden blond hair, blue eyes, and medium complexion.

Based on the rather unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance of [REDACTED] and the fact that [REDACTED] claimed he was afraid to fly commercially while he had obtained [REDACTED] [REDACTED] previously, the Sacramento Division was requested to obtain a photo of [REDACTED] from the Driver's License Division of the California Department of Motor Vehicles and forward copies of this photo to appropriate offices for display to witnesses in this matter.

On 2/9/72, the Sacramento Division advised that a California Driver's License [REDACTED] in the name [REDACTED] [REDACTED] had been located. In addition to this driver's license a second driver's license number [REDACTED] in the name of [REDACTED] [REDACTED] had been located.

Driver's license [REDACTED] was issued on [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Glendale, California. [REDACTED] was described as a male, born [REDACTED] 5'11", 150 pounds, blue eyes, blonde hair [REDACTED] His residence was shown as [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Los Angeles, effective 3/26/68. This license was to expire on [REDACTED]

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LA 164-497

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On 2/15/72, [REDACTED] Los Angeles, California, was interviewed. [REDACTED] an [REDACTED] advised she had rented a room to MARGARET [REDACTED]. She described herself as closely associated with them while they [REDACTED] [REDACTED] prior to moving into the new home they purchased in Canoga Park in early November 1971.

She was well aware of [REDACTED] having disappeared and presumably drowning. She maintained regular contact with MARGARET WOOD whom she described as an old family friend and her observations while [REDACTED] indicated they were a happy couple and she was not aware of any [REDACTED] [REDACTED]

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On 2/16/72, MARGARET SILKWOOD was reinterviewed and advised she was aware of [REDACTED] which she [REDACTED]. She stated she regularly [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and explained the boxes were maintained due to the rough neighborhood in which she [REDACTED] had resided prior to moving to Canoga Park in November 1971. She added that both she [REDACTED] were separately employed and feared their mail would be stolen if delivered to their residence while they were at work.

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Mrs. SILKWOOD further stated she had accompanied [REDACTED] at the time he had purchased a driver's license in the name of [REDACTED] in early November 1971, a week or two prior to his disappearance. She stated [REDACTED] had desired the driver's license in the name of [REDACTED] in the event he should be cited or arrested by the police for traffic violations as he did not want unfavorable publicity to come [REDACTED] other identification purposes.

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LA 164-497

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[REDACTED] On 11/8/73, the Oregon license number furnished by [REDACTED] was checked through the Oregon law enforcement data system and revealed license [REDACTED] was registered to a 1972 Imperial. [REDACTED] registered owners [REDACTED] MARGARET B. WOOD, born 2/22/38. The owner's address was shown as [REDACTED] Oregon. The legal owner was shown as Southern California AFTRA-SAG, Federal Credit Union, 1551 North La Brea, Hollywood, California.

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On 11/13/73, MARGARET SILKWOOD was reinterviewed at the Los Angeles Office of the FBI. She stated she continues to reside at 22451 Roscoe Boulevard, Canoga Park, California, and claimed she has had absolutely no contact from [REDACTED] since his alleged [REDACTED] in November 1971. She recalled about a year ago a former acquaintance of her husband had reportedly seen him on the street in Hollywood. She had inquired as to whether this person had stopped or spoken with [REDACTED] and was told this had not occurred to the person at the time. She stated, due to the uncertainty of the information, she tended to disregard it as invalid.

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She stated that about 1963 she [REDACTED] had taken [REDACTED] This policy was to decrease in value as their [REDACTED] [REDACTED] The insuring company was [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and she advised no claims have been filed as [REDACTED]

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Following [REDACTED] a [REDACTED] boat which he owned was berthed in Redondo Beach Harbor and due to the expense involved, she had to dispose of the boat. Since it was registered in both she and [REDACTED] names, it was necessary that she hire an attorney to handle the legal aspects. The attorney had discussed with her a possible petition to the court to declare [REDACTED] This possibility was discussed with [REDACTED] and both objected to such a petition.

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The attorney had made other arrangements and was successful in disposing of the boat and no petition was filed.

She added that she and [REDACTED] in Los Angeles in [REDACTED] and described their relationship as very close.

During [REDACTED] she handled the [REDACTED] through the United California Bank, 411 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, California, where she is [REDACTED] She stated she had also, [REDACTED] purchased most of [REDACTED] clothing, and stated he usually dressed in conservative business suits. She recalled having purchased some of his clothing at J. C. Penny's Store in Glendale, California. However, could not recall specifically whether she purchased ties for him at that store. She knew him to wear clip-on type ties and tie tacks regularly.

[REDACTED] has a college degree from San Fernando Valley State College and is a History major. He is also a graduate of the [REDACTED] California, and has worked as [REDACTED] Mrs. SILKWOOD described her husband as a quiet person who disliked crowds and social affairs. He was a moderate smoker of cigarettes favoring Winston brand.

[REDACTED] could not stand heights and she does not believe he would ever consider parachuting due to this fear. She is certain [REDACTED] could not have been making trips to Elsinore, California, to the Parachute Center, without her being aware of it.

She stated [REDACTED] had extremely fair complexion and blue eyes. Both his skin and eyes were very sensitive to the light. He wore prescription dark glasses even indoors if the lights were bright. She recalled about September 1971, he purchased new prescription sunglasses from [REDACTED] (phonetic) who had an office believed to be on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. [REDACTED] had natural golden blond hair and she recalls several years ago [REDACTED] was studying Cosmotology. [REDACTED] Mrs. SILKWOOD's, relatives.

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LA 164-497

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She added that [REDACTED] had enlisted in the U. S. Navy when he was [REDACTED] was honorably discharged and to the best of her knowledge, had never been arrested.

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She continued stating that about 1963 to 1965, [REDACTED] had been closely associated with a man named [REDACTED] had bought [REDACTED] in Bellingham with [REDACTED]

Under the agreement, [REDACTED] was to [REDACTED] A long legal "hassle" developed regarding [REDACTED] and eventually, the man who sold [REDACTED]

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She stated that last year her income taxes were audited by Internal Revenue Service and it had been necessary for [REDACTED] to be contacted in Bellingham. She advised she had not retained his address or telephone number.

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About two years prior to this disappearance [REDACTED] had suffered [REDACTED] and just prior to his disappearance he underwent [REDACTED] in Los Angeles. He never suffered any mental problem and this operation had appeared successful.

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Mrs. SILKWOOD stated she maintains contact with [REDACTED] also known as [REDACTED] in Visalia, California, and also with her [REDACTED] She is certain that they have no information concerning [REDACTED] she does not know. She recently contacted [REDACTED] to invite her to Thanksgiving dinner and [REDACTED] declined the invitation [REDACTED]

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On 11/13/73, [REDACTED] Temple City, California, representative of the [REDACTED] advised [REDACTED] is the holder of several [REDACTED] specifically as he furnishes an address at a Post Office Box in Glendale, California, and does not respond to correspondence directed to the Post Office Box. He stated he has no information indicating any claims having been filed against the company by the bene- ficiaries in these policies.

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LA 164-497

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A review of previous investigation reveals Redondo Beach, California, Police Department, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, Harbor Division, were involved in the search for [REDACTED] No information was developed indicating the U. S. Coast Guard was involved.

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On 11/9/73, [REDACTED] West Valley Division, Los Angeles Police Department, which has jurisdiction over the area where [REDACTED] resided, advised they have no record identifiable with the suspect or [REDACTED]

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On 11/15/73, the Portland Division was requested to conduct appropriate investigation at Monmouth, Oregon, for the purpose of resolving whether or not [REDACTED] warranted additional investigation as a suspect in this matter.

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AT PORTLAND, OREGON

On 11/26/73, it was ascertained that [REDACTED] had registered a 1972 Imperial two door with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles on 3/23/73. [REDACTED] Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, advised there was a hold on the Oregon title which would indicate the title is in the hands of a lien holder out of state. The vehicle's legal owner [REDACTED] Hollywood, California. There was no record of a driver's license having been issued to a [REDACTED] MARGARET B. WOOD in Oregon.

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On the same date the records of the Dallas, Oregon, Credit Bureau, which serves Independence, Oregon; the Monmouth, Oregon Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office were checked and no record was located for [REDACTED]

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[REDACTED] owner of the residence at [REDACTED] Monmouth, Oregon, was not familiar with anyone identifiable with [REDACTED] and stated the only persons who lived at his rental were young hippy type individuals. He recalled there has been a former student at Oregon College of Education in Monmouth Oregon, who had lived at [REDACTED] whose name was [REDACTED] however, he was only [REDACTED] and drove a late model Chevrolet Vega..

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LA 164-497

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No record could be located indicating [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Canoga Park has been issued a California Driver's License.

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California Department of Motor Vehicles records further indicate that California license [REDACTED] which appears on an ARCO invoice dated [REDACTED] was issued for a 1968 Volkswagen Sedan, [REDACTED] DMV records indicate this vehicle was sold on 12/30/70, for junk. No further data was available.

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It is noted that ARCO invoices dated [REDACTED] [REDACTED] signed [REDACTED] for gas purchases at Salem and Eugene contained license number [REDACTED]

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DMV records indicate this license was a 1971 license issued for a 1972 Imperial Coupe, [REDACTED] with the registered owner shown as [REDACTED] MARGARET BLANCA WOODS, [REDACTED] Los Angeles, California. The legal owner was shown as Los Angeles [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Los Angeles.

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Photos of this suspect have previously been displayed to stewardesses who were aboard the victim aircraft and they did not identify the photos as identical or similar to the unknown subject.

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It is further noted this suspect is described as a white male with golden blonde hair, blue eyes and a light complexion, which contrasts the description furnished by witnesses in this matter.

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There is indication MARGARET SILKWOOD may not have been telling the truth in denying knowledge concerning the disappearance of [REDACTED] since [REDACTED] made by [REDACTED] are billed to the same account and sent to [REDACTED] Glendale, California. Mrs. WOODS has previously stated in early 1972 she was fully aware of this box and picked up mail there regularly which she turned over to her attorney.

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