</s>CLASSIFICATION NO. 5-1568B Outgoing Peltypea DELCLASSIFICATICATION AUTHORITY DERIVED FROM FEI/AUTOMATIC DECASSIFICATION GLIDE DATE: BY: FEDERAL DATE FOR PURCHER NUDEER FEDERER FEDAL DATE FEDRAL DATE FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER FOURPA FURIOU LA - LOS ANGELES Class / Caso # Sub Vol. Serif # Class / Case # 0656 '156 B 1 1 OPEN 8/11/12006018 INVESTIGATION Bureaua File Number (62-587) Bureauas File Number

Summary  
The document outlines the FBI and LAPD investigation into the 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, identified as the suspect, was charged with murder following a grand jury indictment. Autopsy reports confirm RFK sustained three gunshot wounds, including one to the right mastoid that penetrated the brain, leading to his death on June 6, 1968. The weapon used was a .22 caliber revolver (serial number 253725), purchased in 1965. Legal proceedings included challenges to evidence admissibility under *Messiah* case rulings and references to prior legal precedents, such as Jack Kirschke’s 1967 murder trial. Sirhan’s background was scrutinized, including his education at John Marshall Junior High School (Pasadena), Elliot Junior High School, and Pasadena City College, where he was described as "friendly" and well-adjusted. During arrest, Sirhan made statements such as "I did this for my country," though these were not reflected in LAPD records. His incarceration at Los Angeles County Central Jail included medical concerns (swollen ankle) and restricted visitation. The death certificate for RFK (number 709-7021968) noted burial arrangements at Barlington National Cemetery.  

Key People  
- **Sirhan Bishara Sirhan**: Suspect in RFK’s assassination, incarcerated at Los Angeles County Central Jail; made statements during arrest.  
- **Cesar Chavez**: National Farm Workers Association leader investigated for potential connection to Sirhan.  
- **Walter S. Crove**: Communist Party member who claimed Sirhan was anti-Semitic but not affiliated with the party.  
- **Davor Pevec**: Former classmate of Sirhan at Pasadena City College; not considered a close friend.  
- **Sandra Serrano**: Co-chair of Pasadena-Altadena Youth for Kennedy; interviewed regarding suspect sighting.  
- **Humphrey Cordero/Enrique Rabago**: Witnesses who reported Sirhan’s derogatory remarks about RFK.  
- **Sheriff Peter J. Pitchers**: Oversaw Sirhan’s incarceration and noted harassment by someone named J.P. Pitchers.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles**: Site of RFK’s assassination.  
- **Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles**: Location of RFK’s autopsy and treatment.  
- **Pasadena, California**: Schools attended by Sirhan (John Marshall Junior High, Elliot Junior High, Pasadena City College).  
- **Los Angeles County Central Jail**: Incarceration site for Sirhan.  
- **Barlington National Cemetery**: Burial location for Senator Kennedy.  

Key Events  
- **June 5, 1968**: RFK assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel; LAPD and FBI initiated investigations.  
- **June 6–7, 1968**: Autopsy findings confirmed fatal gunshot wounds to RFK; grand jury indicted Sirhan for murder.  
- **Legal Proceedings**: Challenges to evidence admissibility under *Messiah* case rulings; review of subversive group affiliations (e.g., Du Bois Club, Communist Party).  
- **Sirhan’s Arrest and Statements**: Included claims like "I did this for my country" and denial of shame over his name.  
- **Incarceration Details**: Sirhan reported medical issues (swollen ankle) and requested dietary changes; visitation restricted to attorney, medical staff, and one visitor (Lachadockey).  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted broader investigations into Sirhan’s associations and subversive groups.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Coordinated with FBI; interviewed witnesses like Cesar Chavez and Walter S. Crove.  
- **U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California**: Oversaw legal proceedings and indictment of Sirhan.  
- **Communist Party (Southern California District)**: Investigated for potential ties to Sirhan; Walter S. Crove was a member.  
- **National Farm Workers Association (UFW)**: Cesar Chavez’s organization; scrutinized as a possible connection to Sirhan.  
- **Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office**: Conducted autopsy and issued death certificate for RFK.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-b_sec_001_ser_1--part_1_of_7.pdf

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