</s>FD-36 (Rev. 3-22-64) FBI Date: 3/26/69 Transmit the following in PLAINTEXT Type in plantar or code) TeleTYPE Detacero Via TELENTYPE URGENT (Priority) TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-587) RM FROM: SAC, LOS ANGELES (56-156) KENSALT. 00: LOS ANGELES. REMYTEL MARCH TWENTY-FIVE LAST. DR. BERNARD L. DIAMOND, M.D ., UNDER CREEBE EXAMINATION CROSS DR. BENARD L ., DIAMOND, M ., D ., under CREEZE EXAMINAION BY PROSECUTION FOR ENTIRE COURT SESSION TODAY. DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAVID FITS ATTEMPTED TO HAVE DIAMONT QUALIFY FOR PSYCHIATRIC OPINION OF SIRIAN THROUGH QUESTIONING CONCERNING SIRIHAN'S BACKGROUND, HIS VISIT TO AMBASSADOR HOTEL ON JUNE TWO LAST, WRITINGS IN HIS NOTEBOOK, HIS ACTIONS IN THE GUN RANGE ON JUNE FOUR LAST AND HIS ACTIVITIES AT THE HOTEL ON NIGHT OF JUNE FOR FOUR LAST. GROSS GLOSS EXAMMINATION CONCLUDED. DEFENSE WILL BEGIN REDIRECT EXAMNATION OF DIAMAND AT COURT SESSION TOMORROW. SENT BY CODED TELETYPE SEARCHED 56- 156 INDEXED AOR/ecrean SERIALIZED (1) FILLED Approved: Special Agent In Charge Sent: 10/1p M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176 6-156-T-148

Summary  
The documents detail the trial of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, and subsequent legal proceedings from March 25 to April 11, 1969. Central to the trial were psychiatric evaluations by Dr. Seymour Pollack (prosecution) and Dr. Bernard L. Diamond (defense), with defense attorneys Grant Cooper and Russell Parsons arguing Sirhan’s mental state, including potential amnesia or diminished capacity, while prosecutors, led by David Fitz and Evelle J. Younger, emphasized premeditation and malice. Juror replacements occurred due to illness, notably juror Lawrence K. Morgan’s replacement by Ruth Stitlmann. Testimonies included handwriting experts, psychologists, and LAPD officers Adolph Melendres and Frank J. Patchert. The trial concluded with closing arguments on April 11, 1969, and a death penalty sought if Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder. A motion for a new trial based on judicial errors was denied, and sentencing followed in May 1969, resulting in a death sentence and additional assault charges.  

Key People  
- Sirhan Bishara Sirhan: Defendant charged with assassinating RFK.  
- Dr. Bernard L. Diamond: Defense psychiatrist evaluating Sirhan’s mental state.  
- Dr. Seymour Pollack: Prosecution psychiatrist testifying on Sirhan’s capacity for premeditated murder.  
- David Fitz: Deputy District Attorney leading prosecution arguments.  
- Evelle J. Younger: Los Angeles County District Attorney overseeing the prosecution.  
- Grant Cooper and Russell Parsons: Defense attorneys presenting arguments to the jury.  
- Herbert V. Walker: Presiding judge in the trial.  
- Edward Kennedy: U.S. Senator, victim of assassination referenced in trial context.  

Key Locations  
- Los Angeles County Superior Court: Venue for trial proceedings.  
- St. Luke’s Hospital, Pasadena, California: Mentioned in context of Sirhan’s brother Sharif’s arrest and hospitalization.  
- Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles: Reference to Sirhan’s visit on June 2, 1968, linked to the assassination.  
- San Quentin Prison: Mentioned in context of death penalty considerations.  

Key Events  
- Testimony by Dr. Pollack regarding Sirhan’s mental capacity for premeditated murder.  
- Cross-examination of defense psychiatrist Dr. Diamond and evaluation of Sirhan’s notebook writings.  
- Juror Lawrence K. Morgan becoming ill and replaced by alternate juror Ruth Stitlmann.  
- Prosecution’s rebuttal arguments emphasizing Sirhan’s intent and malice.  
- Defense arguments highlighting Sirhan’s deteriorating mental condition and potential for amnesia.  
- Closing arguments on April 11, 1969, with prosecution seeking a death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.  
- Jury deliberations resulting in a death verdict for Sirhan.  
- Denial of a motion for a new trial based on alleged judicial errors.  
- Sentencing proceedings following court appearances in May 1969.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Provided teletype updates on trial progress.  
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office: Prosecuted Sirhan and conducted psychological evaluations.  
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): Officers Adolph Melendres and Frank J. Patchert testified about contact with Sirhan.  
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Referenced in defense arguments regarding the death penalty’s constitutionality.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-t_sec_001_ser_1--part_4_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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