1977 International Flight of Fancy

For as long as alivers have been peddling their wares, one of their go-to pieces of "evidence" has been the story of a man resembling Elvis Presley, but going by the name of "Jon Burrows," purchasing a ticket to South America (Buenos Aires) at the Memphis International Airport (MIA) on the afternoon of August 16, 1977.  There has never been any evidence offered as to who witnessed this ticket purchase, how this witness knew the purchaser's name was "Jon Burrows," nor how this witness knew the particulars of the ticket purchase.  But who cares about the facts, right?

In Elvis Decoded, a trusted source provided me with information indicating that no international flight tickets were available for purchase at MIA in 1977, but I want to post the response I received recently from a representative of the airport to add further clarity and weight.  In a response to my inquiry as to whether an international flight ticket could be purchased at MIA in 1977, the representative stated:

"There were no international flights from Memphis International in 1977."

"An international flight ticket could not be purchased at MIA in 1977.  A domestic ticket would have to be purchased which would then connect you to the nearest airport that flies to your international destination."

Aaron...Spelling - The Final Word

From the August 15, 1972, property settlement agreement, signed by Elvis Aaron Presley, clear proof that Elvis acknowledged the double-A spelling, and signed his name accordingly.  This double-A spelling and signature should resolve the "Aron or Aaron?" question.

The Pharmacist...And The Doctor

The Pharmacist...



And The Doctor...(from "The King and Dr. Nick," page 175)...




Ginger Alden Reconsidered

I’d like to add one final word on the Ginger Alden Revisited topics I’ve discussed at the links below.  Over the years, Ms. Alden has been attacked and maligned by many Elvis fans often because of the stories told by those who wanted to cast her in a very negative light.  But if you take away these biased claims, and read an unbiased account of what happened at Graceland that day, the facts look very different. 

Consider the eyewitness account from paramedic Ulysses Jones, for example.  In a conversation with a longtime friend and trusted source of mine, Jones stated the following regarding Ginger Alden’s appearance and demeanor when he entered Elvis’s upstairs suite on August 16, 1977 (this quote is from my source after speaking with Mr. Jones several years ago):

“He [Jones] said that he noticed Ginger several times while they were there, and that, no doubt in his mind, she was not dressed and ‘made up,’ she was very distraught, had obviously been crying a lot, and was still dressed in, he thought, either a very pale yellow or maybe light blue robe.  I asked him about three or four different times whether he was sure that she was not already dressed and he stated emphatically that there was no doubt in his mind about that.”

Jones was an objective, unbiased party to these events, and he spoke about the situation with no personal involvement or investment outside of his duties as a paramedic that day, and he had no reason to lie or shade the truth about what he witnessed.  Jones was there.  Was Dick Grob?  No.  Was Dean Nichopoulos?  No.  Were “the maids”?  No.

8/16/77: Ginger Alden Revisited

UPDATE (07/06/11):  Ginger Alden Revisited, Part II, is linked below.

On August 16, 1977, Ginger Alden (Elvis's fiancée) was with Elvis in his upstairs suite, and at 2:20 that afternoon she found his lifeless body on the floor of the bathroom.  Since then, Ginger's actions that day have been described in various ways, most of which are very much at odds with the facts.  With Ginger's long-awaited book in the works, I am going to revisit this topic in the hope that by the time the book is published, at least some fans will be able to approach it with a clearer understanding of what really happened that day, and a fairer and more reasonable view of Ginger's involvement in the day's events.

Part I is here.

Part II is here.

Vernon & The Autopsy Permission Form

The autopsy permission form was taken from Baptist Memorial Hospital to Graceland shortly after Elvis was pronounced dead on August 16, 1977.  The form was to be presented to Vernon Presley for his signature, and information about the autopsy procedure would at that time be provided and explained to him.  But right before this discussion took place, Vernon had to have been notified that Elvis was dead.  Who told him?  And who then talked to him about the autopsy?  My analysis is linked here.

UPDATE (6/10/11):  Further comments on the autopsy permission form from Dr. Nichopoulos, illustrating that it was apparently he who initiated and handled the situation, not Dick Grob:

Nichopoulos:  “…it was left to me to break the news to Vernon that his boy was dead.”

When Nichopoulos told Vernon that Elvis had died:  “Vernon heard me without understanding the meaning of my pronouncement.”

Dr. Nichopoulos notes that Vernon initially refused to grant permission for the autopsy, but that he was persuaded by Dr. Nichopoulos’s plea that he needed to “know if I did something wrong.”

Dr. Nichopoulos says he walked away from Vernon after Vernon refused to grant permission for the autopsy, but that Vernon then called after him, instructing Nichopoulos to make sure they “put my boy back together.”  Nichopoulos does not mention the autopsy permission form.

Nichopoulos:  “I took an authorization from the emergency room and went out to Elvis’s house to tell his daddy what had happened…”

Nichopoulos:  “I don’t recall [seeing Dick Grob at the hospital].  I don’t remember whether he was in town or not.”

Nichopoulos states that he decided an autopsy should be performed, that he got the autopsy permission form from a nurse, and that he would tell Vernon and Minnie Mae [Elvis’s grandmother] about Elvis’s death.

Nichopoulos says that, “…I related the news to them [Vernon, Minnie Mae, and others in the room], and I talked about things for awhile.  And then somewhere in the course of events, I asked him for permission for an autopsy, which he granted.”

At no time does Nichopoulos mention anything about Dick Grob dealing with the autopsy permission form, nor speaking with Vernon at Graceland.  And while these statements from Nichopoulos are not totally consistent from account to account, they nonetheless are consistent on the overall narrative.

Review: The Post Mortem Documents

Over the years there has been continuing confusion in public resources (books, articles, message boards, etc.) as to the documents relating to Elvis’s death. These documents are the autopsy report, the Medical Examiner’s report, the death certificate, and the Permission for Autopsy form. Below is an overview of the facts pertaining to each, and how they are different:

The Autopsy Report: This report (Postmortem #A77-160) was put together by the Baptist Memorial Hospital pathologists who performed the autopsy. The autopsy report is not a public document; it was prepared for the Presley family and is the property of the Presley family. It is not “under seal,” nor is it, as a private medical record, subject to judicial seal. Because the autopsy report is a private medical record, it will not be released at any time.

The Medical Examiner’s Report: This is the 2-page report signed and submitted by the Shelby County Medical Examiner, Dr. Jerry Francisco. This document is officially titled, “Report of Investigation by County Medical Examiner,” and is designated Case #77-1944. This 2-page report is not the autopsy report.

The Death Certificate: This is the death certificate completed and signed by Dr. Francisco and filed with the state of Tennessee. Per Tennessee statute, death certificates become public documents at the end of a 50-year period, which means this document will be released in 2027. The death certificate, while not available to the public, is not “under seal,” but is simply not a public document based on Tennessee law.

The Permission for Autopsy Form: This is the form (BMH #29-51) signed by Vernon Presley to grant permission for the autopsy. The signing of the form was witnessed by Dr. George C. Nichopoulos and Richard H. Grob.

The Autopsy Photographer

I had a very interesting conversation this afternoon with the person who took the Elvis autopsy photos on the evening of August 16, 1977.  We discussed where at Baptist Memorial Hospital the photos were taken, what the photos show, the film developing process, and several other topics related to this photographer's job that day.

Cranial Autopsy - The Body of Evidence

There has been debate for years on whether a cranial procedure had been performed as part of the autopsy.  Based on my research, I have concluded that yes, this procedure was done.

My analysis is linked here.

"Jesse" Makes A Mistake

The character of “Jesse,” as we see “him” in the public domain, is a composite personification of all the beliefs held by the alivers. He talks about his devotion to numerology, how August 16, 1977, was a “hoax” (but not really) planned by Colonel Parker, and how he was a super crime-fighter, even assisting the Feds in the last year or so of his life. Alivers contend that Elvis was caught up in the FBI investigation into the sale of his JetStar airplane, which was part of a larger investigation known as Operation Fountain Pen. In Dr. Hinton’s book, “Jesse” plays the role of the aliver version of Elvis perfectly, even commenting on his decision not to enter the Witness Protection Program (due to the mythical danger he was in, of course, and the alleged threats against his life and possibly the lives of family members). On page 47 of Hinton’s book, from one of the many letters to Hinton from “Jesse,” we find the following comment:

“…I chose not to be in the Witness Protection program…”

Here, “Jesse” is playing the aliver version of Elvis, the Elvis that had to escape the dangers that faced him in August 1977. But what this comment really tells us is that whomever is playing the role of “Jesse” in this ridiculous con-game is *NOT* Elvis Presley, because as I outlined in my September 30 post, Elvis never knew about Operation Fountain Pen, nor the specific investigation into the JetStar deal. Thus, he was never a witness.  He was never threatened. He was never in any danger. His family was never in any danger. And because of this, the Witness Protection program was never even part of the story. Why would they offer “witness protection” to someone who was never a witness, and knew nothing of the investigation? 

If "Jesse" were Elvis, he would know all of this.

To all thinking people, this is a clear and very revealing error made by the con artists playing this ridiculous “Jesse” game.

DNA: Sleight of Hand

It's April 2008.  Who is "Eliza Presley"?

Deecoded - Dee Presley's Letter

This is a transcription of the letter Dee Presley wrote on October 28, 2010, to Sam Coplin regarding the eBook released under her name in July, 2010.  The third page (the second post script) was likely added later, and intended for someone else.  In [brackets] are words that I am not sure of, or the proper spelling of a name or word.

The letter can be found at Elvis Express Radio.

Page 1

Sam-

I am still [in_sting / in _sting] the release of the material that was released in July 2010 which I called you about.  I was not aware it even existed until 10/27/10.  I called Barnes and Noble and came up with this information.  You and Phillip [Scheldt] name [are] [showing] up and me as the authorized authors, I have never or I will never publish or allow any more "sensation" [sensational?] material to be released using my name in any way.  I am trying to find out who made a contract to market this.  I have not signed any contract with you or any one [releasing] an electronic book. 

Page 2

I am seeking legal advice at this time hoping to see what options I have.  I trust you might be also interested since at this time you and Phillip [Scheldt] seem to be [involved], you told me yesterday you had nothing to do with any contracts or any marketing of the material - I hope not -

I want this stopped immediately.

Thanks

Dee Presley

P.S.  I just was informed by someone working on [cleaning/clearing] this up that Phillip Scheldt – stated on the [website] he was representing me – I never heard of him until this came up or have I ever been in any working relationship with him.

Page 3

P.S.  I am still waiting to hear from Sam Coplin, he has not replied or sent any information – who sold the material, or to whom, or any contracts signed by me, I will keep you informed and post any messages from him or his partner – Phillip??  Also I don’t have any working contract with him on any book material.

I am sorry, needless to say as you already know when I put him on notice my plan to seek legal advice and find out who is responsible for the embarrassment and agony this has caused me and my family.  It was immediately stopped but I feel the damage [was] already done.

I only wish I had known earlier.  We are still [searching].

[Handwriting at end of page cannot be read.]

UPDATES - November 11, 2010

Two updates today:

"Dee Stanley's eBook" is updated here.

"EP & OPFOPEN - A House of Cards?" is updated here.

Pop Odyssey Radio - October 28, 2010

Cory Cooper and I will be on Gary Patterson's radio show on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 9:00pm EDT.  This will be a 2-hour segment and we will be discussing a variety of Elvis topics.

http://popodysseyradio.com/

Dee Stanley's eBook

UPDATE (11-11-10):  I have finally finished reading and digesting this book, as it was tough to get through considering the multiple flaws.  I am now very curious about who published this eBook, and how the book was released, given the statement from Dee Stanley that she had nothing to do with it.  I am also interested to see how this mess is reconciled with the Stanley brothers' statements:  David denies any connection to the book (but does not deny knowledge of it prior to publication); Rick denies any knowledge of the book; and Billy says he knew about the book and tried to stop its publication.  If Billy is telling the truth, are we also to believe that over the past 3 months or so since the book's release, that no one bothered to mention it to David and Rick?  Very strange.

10/22/10:  Against Marty Lacker's sage advice, and against my better judgment, I am now reading the "book" that Dee Stanley put out a few months ago.  Really.

EP & OPFOPEN - A House of Cards?

UPDATE (11-11-10):  At some point I hope to post a full analysis and commentary on the OPFOPEN case based on my discussions with the retired FBI agent who initiated and worked undercover on the case.  For now, however, there are several key pieces of information to consider, all of which come straight from this FBI agent:

1.  Elvis Presley was not involved in any way with OPFOPEN.  In fact, Elvis never knew about OPFOPEN.

2.  Vernon Presley did not know about OPFOPEN until after Elvis's death on August 16, 1977, which means that while Elvis was alive, neither Vernon nor Elvis knew of this active FBI investigation.

3.  Elvis Presley's life was never in danger due to the OPFOPEN case, nor was he threatened by anyone involved in this case.

These three points are critical in evaluating the many claims pertaining to Elvis's alleged (mythical) role in federal law enforcement, especially in the last year or so of his life. 

9/30/10:  Elvis fans for years have suggested Elvis was actively involved in the FBI's OPFOPEN case—an acronym for the FBI’s international undercover case called, “Operation Fountain Pen”—and in 1977 he was in fear for his life. The claims, stories, and myths are numerous and the tales of intrigue never-ending.

But is the story true?  Did Elvis help Bureau undercover agents pursue certain Organized Crime and White-Collar-Crime figures determined to use “offshore banks” and “bogus” securities to bring about economic havoc here, in the United States, and abroad?  Was Elvis working behind the scenes on the JetStar deal gone awry?  Speaking with the retired FBI agent who initiated and worked undercover on the OPFOPEN case, the short answer is "No."  But, he said, there are details Elvis fans might be interested in learning. 

UPDATE: Aaron...Spelling, Part II

Aaron...Spelling, Part II, has been updated with another image showing the double-A spelling of Elvis's middle name prior to August 1977. This document is from 1972.

Alice McFarland and Fox 8 News

This is a Non-Disclosure Agreement purportedly entered into between Fox 8 News and "Eliza Presley." Can anyone point out the most glaring anomaly, among so many other problems with the document?

Note that this agreement pertains to the "commercial value" of shared information.

January, 1978: The Poolhouse

My latest commentary on the poolhouse door and whether Al Strada would have been at Graceland in January 1978 is posted here.

Updates...

Updates coming soon on the poolhouse photo (the iron bars visible in the top part of the door, and the timeframe of Al Strada's post-August 1977 employment with the estate), the question of the cranial autopsy, and perhaps a few dollar figures on the costs associated with Elvis's funeral. These updates are based on follow-up research relevant to topics that are discussed in Elvis Decoded.

Busted

Yet another example of an aliver con-job. Elvis in 1975, on the left; a man the alivers have claimed for years is Elvis post-1977, on the right.

"Put your head on my shoulders."

UPDATE (5/12/10): Commentary is posted here.

Elvis Decoded on Facebook

Elvis Decoded is now on Facebook.

The Billy Stanley Set-Up

Billy Stanley (one of Elvis's stepbrothers) has recently stated in an interview with Discovering Elvis that he feels he was set up when he was approached about the identity of the man in the infamous Muhammad Ali/Jesse Jackson photo. Stanley was asked by an aliver to identify the man, and not knowing that the photo was taken in 1984, Stanley replied that the man was Elvis Presley.

Was Billy Stanley really set up, as he claims, or is there another explanation? My commentary on this question is posted here.

Rejected: The Lloyds of London Insurance Claim

One of the standard "go-to" pieces of evidence the alivers use to prove/support the death hoax is the Lloyds of London insurance policy, which they claim was purchased but never cashed/paid out. Thus, they reason, the insurance policy supports the hoaxed death theory since Elvis and the estate would be guilty of insurance fraud if the policy had been paid out.

First, this policy was never purchased.

Second, this theory ignores the fact that Elvis Presley and his family had multiple insurance policies that would have been affected upon Elvis’s death. Or, are we to believe that one the biggest earners in the entertainment industry had just one insurance policy? Really? Just one?

Finally, this piece of evidence, like so many other pieces of evidence offered up by the alivers, is researched only so far as it supports their death hoax theory. Once they decide a fact supports their theory, they stop researching. In this case, someone (who?) reports that a life insurance policy is still active, and well, that’s good enough for them. No research into whether the policy was purchased. No research into who reported that a life insurance policy was purchased. No research into how this information was obtained (since insurers closely protect customers’ medical and insurance information). No research into other insurance policies, and whether they were cashed or are still active.

Nothing.

To make a long story short, the estate deposited a lump sum death benefit check from the United States Treasury on February 21, 1978. This eliminates the "Lloyds of London" theory the alivers use to support a death hoax, since this check represents a financial benefit for the estate as a direct result of the death.

Delusions: 74

Several months ago I sat down to go over the Petition for Paternity that was filed by "Eliza Presley" with the Chancery Court, and part of that examination led me to review a few other documents and photos that have surfaced over the past year or two. One of these is an image that shows a title page from one of Dr. Hinton's books with two signatures just below the title. One of the signatures reads "Elvis Presley," while the other reads, "Jesse Presley." After the "Jesse Presley" signature, we see the added notation, "age 74." This title page is from the book that "Eliza Presley" was trying to sell on her website in 2009, an offer that has since been withdrawn.

Several questions come to mind when contemplating this title page with these two signatures, and the "age 74" notation:

Since when does a celebrity, in the course of signing an autograph, also write his or her age? Has anyone seen an autograph from George Clooney that reads, "George Clooney age 48"? What about an autograph from Julia Roberts, signed, "Julia Roberts age 42"? Does the person who signed the name "Jesse Presley" and wrote "age 74" think that those people who have not already been indoctrinated into the strange labyrinth constructed by "the true believers" might somehow be convinced of the signature’s authenticity based on this "age 74" notation? That is, if the "age 74" note were not there, would there be some suspicion or question as to the identity of the signer? But that by adding "age 74," that suspicion would be alleviated, and the uninitiated would then conclude, "Oh, it says 'age 74' right here next to 'Jesse Presley,' so that means it had to have been signed by Elvis Presley, since Elvis would have been 74 years old when this signature was made." Is this "age 74" notation actually intended to convince people of the authenticity of these signatures?

Really now, how stupid, how gullible, how naïve, and how ignorant does the character of "Jesse" think people are? Does he/she really believe that "age 74" would be enough to change someone’s mind about this whole "Jesse" scheme?

Finally, "Jesse," whom we are told is really Elvis Presley, writes in the Hinton book that Elvis died in 1977, and that at the time of Elvis’s death, "Jesse" came to life. If that is the case, then why did “Jesse” write that he is 74? Shouldn’t the note have read, "age 32"?

Enquiring minds...