</s>SHERIFF PETER PITCHESS EXPLAINS SIRIAN TRIAL RULES IN FORTIFIED COURTROOM AT HALL OF JUSTICE Photo Between a window and the judge's bench is steel plate which would fold any shooting or bomb-throwing attempt into special trial room 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail Sirhan Bishara’s trial for assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy, focusing on legal proceedings, security measures, mental health evaluations, and investigative efforts. The trial involved a not guilty plea by reason of insanity, with defense arguments emphasizing Sirhan’s alleged mental incapacity. Security protocols at the Hall of Justice courtroom included fortified facilities, steel barriers, and restricted access to prevent disruptions. The Los Angeles Police Department conducted approximately 4,000 interviews during the investigation, costing millions of dollars. Mental health assessments were mandated, including evaluations for potential brain damage from a prior horse-riding incident. Legal motions addressed plea negotiations, psychiatric testimony, and court restrictions on media coverage. Costs associated with Sirhan’s incarceration reached $219,000, covering protective measures, jail accommodations, and legal proceedings. The trial was scheduled for November 1, 1967, with discussions about psychiatric evidence and press access limitations. Governor Reagan vetoed a bill allowing restricted use of RFK’s autopsy photographs in non-educational contexts. Separate documents reference Sirhan’s incarceration at Los Angeles County Jail, daily exercise access, and sanitary conditions. A legislative bill introduced by Jesse M. Unruth (D-San Diego) aimed to limit the use of RFK’s autopsy images to legal and scientific purposes. Media coverage included reports on Sirhan’s brother Siddallah’s disputed claims about the assassination, as well as public interest in RFK’s son David Kennedy watching TV coverage of his father’s death.  

Key People  
- **Sirhan Bishara**: Accused of assassinating RFK; underwent mental health evaluations and faced legal proceedings including insanity defense arguments.  
- **Russell R. Parsons**: Defense attorney for Sirhan, involved in motions related to psychiatric assessments and plea arrangements.  
- **Judge Richard Schauer**: Presided over the trial; addressed press restrictions and procedural matters.  
- **District Attorney J. J. Younger**: Involved in legal proceedings and court orders.  
- **Siddallah (Sirhan’s brother)**: Provided conflicting accounts of the shooting incident, including allegations of illegal searches and surveillance.  
- **David Kennedy**: Son of RFK; mentioned in media coverage watching TV reports of his father’s assassination.  
- **Governor Ronald Reagan**: Vetoed legislation on autopsy photo use.  
- **Dr. George Forest**: Medical examiner who assessed Sirhan’s mental state following a reported horse-related injury.  
- **Jesse M. Unruth (D-San Diego)**: Assemblyman who introduced the bill restricting autopsy photographs.  
- **Alvin Tokunoki**: UCLA student whose locker was reportedly stolen, containing film related to RFK’s assassination.  

Key Locations  
- **Hall of Justice, Los Angeles**: Site of Sirhan’s trial with fortified courtroom security measures.  
- **Los Angeles County Jail**: Where Sirhan was incarcerated; described in detail regarding cell facilities and daily routines.  
- **Ambassador Hotel**: Reference point for RFK’s assassination location and media coverage.  
- **Corona Community Hospital**: Where Sirhan was treated after a reported horse-riding incident.  
- **San Fernando Valley**: Mentioned in context of medical records and employment history related to Sirhan.  
- **Sacramento, Calif.**: Seat of the California Legislature where the autopsy photo bill was approved.  

Key Events  
- **Fortified Courtroom Security**: Measures implemented to prevent disruptions during Sirhan’s trial, including steel barriers and restricted access.  
- **Mental Health Evaluations**: Required for Sirhan, involving psychiatric tests and medical reports to assess potential brain damage from a prior incident.  
- **4,000 Interviews**: Conducted by LAPD as part of the investigation into Sirhan’s background and possible connections to the assassination.  
- **Sirhan’s Plea**: Entered a not guilty plea by reason of insanity, with defense arguments about his mental state.  
- **Cost of Custody**: Estimated at $219,000, covering jail expenses, protective measures, and legal costs.  
- **Media Restrictions**: Court orders limiting press coverage and public access to trial details.  
- **Legal Disputes Over Public Access**: Judge Schauer denied a motion by Younger to expand public access to court proceedings, citing prejudicial effects.  
- **Postponement Request**: Trial postponed due to emotional factors linked to the presidential campaign, though prosecution argued against delay.  
- **Autopsy Photo Legislation**: Governor Reagan vetoed a bill allowing restricted use of RFK’s autopsy photographs in non-educational contexts.  
- **Theft of Film**: Alvin Tokunoki reported theft of assassination-related film from his UCLA locker, part of a larger project involving multiple individuals.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department**: Provided security during court proceedings and investigated Sirhan’s case.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Conducted interviews as part of the investigation into Sirhan’s background and motives.  
- **Superior Court of Los Angeles**: Oversaw the trial and related hearings.  
- **California Legislature**: Approved the bill restricting use of RFK’s autopsy photographs.  
- **FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)**: Referenced in documents under E.O. 14176, noting investigations into leaks or unauthorized disclosures.  
- **News Outlets (e.g., Los Angeles Times, Herald-Examiner, AP)**: Covered court proceedings, police statements, and public interest in the case.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-h_sec_003_ser_451-640-part_3_of_8.pdf

Document Summary

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