</s>Los Angeles Police Department CONTINUATION SHEET EOUNGING NO. 100. 2. F.V.ID. EQUAL 4913.9 STRIPS I.D. 3 PHOTOS.OR 5.1 MAN. SIRAPAN. S.1.M.A.B.Y. RETROVOLE

Summary  
On June 5, 1968, Sirhan Bishara Sirhan was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers at the Ambassador Hotel following the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He was found with minor injuries including a hematoma on the forehead, abrasions on the face, and confusion of the right index finger during an initial medical examination by Dr. E.C. LANZ. Sirhan was held without identification and refused to reveal his identity. Legal proceedings began with an indictment by Los Angeles County Grand Jury on June 7, 1968, charging him with five counts of attempted murder and one count of murder. His arraignment occurred at the Los Angeles County Jail’s Chapel facility before Superior Court Judge Arthur L. Alarcon, who set a plea date for June 28, 1968. Sirhan was represented by attorney Russell E. Parsons, who requested delays and additional time to prepare his defense, citing incomplete psychiatric reports. The court appointed two psychiatrists for evaluation, though one declined to examine him. Coordination between LAPD and FBI occurred throughout the investigation, with the FBI monitoring trial preparations and witness lists. Key witnesses included individuals like Gaty, Daniel, Robert Tabot, and LAPD officers such as Sergeant M.C. Swift and Officer J.A. Roach, who were involved in securing evidence related to Kennedy’s clothing. The trial was initially scheduled for October 1, 1968, but the court delayed proceedings due to the appointment of a new judge. On August 2, 1968, Sirhan pled not guilty to murder in RFK’s slaying, with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard Schauer setting the trial date for November 1, 1968. The prosecution included Deputy District Attorneys John Howard and David Fittis, while Sirhan’s defense team sought to include Grant B. Cooper as counsel, leading to a continuance of the trial until January 7, 1969. Legal motions regarding evidence suppression and discovery were filed, with hearings scheduled for October 14, 1968. The court also planned to sequester the jury during proceedings. A list of contemplated witnesses compiled by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys’ office included individuals related to Sirhan’s custody, observers at the Pasadena City College Cafeteria on June 4, 1968, and those present at the Ambassador Hotel on June 4–5, 1968. The FBI interviewed some witnesses, while others were not interviewed due to their status as law enforcement officers.  

Key People  
- **Sirhan Bishara Sirhan**: Arrested at the Ambassador Hotel; represented by Russell E. Parsons and later Grant B. Cooper.  
- **Russell E. Parsons**: Defense attorney for Sirhan, requested delays and psychiatric evaluations.  
- **Arthur L. Alarcon**: Superior Court Judge who oversaw arraignment and set plea dates.  
- **Richard Schauer**: Presiding judge for the trial, initially set for November 1, 1968, later rescheduled to December 9, 1968.  
- **Evelle J. Younger**: Los Angeles County District Attorney overseeing prosecution.  
- **Ly nn Compton**: Chief Assistant District Attorney assisting in the case.  
- **John Howard**: Deputy District Attorney involved in trial coordination.  
- **David Fittis**: Deputy District Attorney prosecuting Sirhan.  
- **Grant B. Cooper**: Defense counsel joined later, citing prior commitments in another trial.  
- **A. L. Wirin**: ACLU legal counsel assisting Sirhan’s defense.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles**: Site of Sirhan’s arrest and RFK’s assassination on June 5, 1968.  
- **Los Angeles County Jail (Chapel facility)**: Location of arraignment and custody.  
- **Hall of Justice, 13th Floor**: Where Sirhan was held under heavy security after July 7, 1968.  
- **Good Samaritan Hospital**: Site of medical examination for Sirhan and handling of Kennedy’s clothing.  
- **Pasadena City College Cafeteria**: Location where Sirhan was observed on June 4, 1968.  

Key Events  
- **June 5, 1968**: Arrest of Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel; initial medical examination by Dr. E.C. LANZ.  
- **June 7, 1968**: Indictment by Los Angeles County Grand Jury for attempted murder and murder charges.  
- **June 28, 1968**: Arraignment before Judge Arthur L. Alarcon; plea date set for July 19, 1968.  
- **July 7, 1968**: Sirhan transferred to Hall of Justice under heavy security.  
- **August 2, 1968**: Sirhan pled not guilty to murder in RFK’s slaying.  
- **October 14, 1968**: Hearing on motions for evidence suppression and discovery.  
- **December 9, 1968**: Rescheduled trial date in Department 107 of the Superior Court.  
- **January 7, 1969**: Final trial date after continuance requested by defense counsel.  
- **Jury sequestration**: Plan to isolate jurors during proceedings to prevent external influence.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Conducted arrest, evidence collection, and investigation.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Monitored case progress, coordinated with LAPD, and prepared for trial; interviewed witnesses.  
- **Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office**: Oversaw prosecution, managed witness lists, and handled legal proceedings.  
- **Scientific Investigation Division (SID)**: Conducted ballistic examinations and forensic analysis.  
- **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)**: Represented Sirhan through counsel A. L. Wirin.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-r_sec_001_ser_1--part_2_of_3.pdf

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