</s>CASE PREPARATION 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
A three-man Case Preparation Team was established under the Special Unit Senator (S.U.S.) on June 12, 1968, to prepare for Sirhan B. Sirhan’s trial in the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The team coordinated with the District Attorney’s Office, interviewed witnesses, and evaluated evidence, including Sirhan’s .22 caliber Iver Johnson revolver (serial #H53725), its purchase history, ammunition receipt, and activities at a San Gabriel Valley gun club on June 4, 1968. Reenactments of the shooting were conducted at the Ambassador Hotel from November 12–15, 1968, involving witnesses and law enforcement. Handwriting analysis confirmed Sirhan’s signature on documents and linked him to writings found in his home detailing assassination plans, including references to “disposing of R.F.K. like his brother was” and specific dates for the attack. A court ruled the search of Sirhan’s bedroom lawful, allowing evidence such as notebooks and threatening messages to be admitted. Physical evidence collected included 155 items from Sirhan’s person, vehicle, home, and the Ambassador Hotel, including bullet fragments, Kennedy’s clothing, and medical supplies. The investigation also documented Sirhan’s movements during a 72-hour timeline leading up to June 5, 1968, and his composed demeanor during post-arrest interrogations.  

Key People  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Assassinated on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel.  
- **Sirhan B. Sirhan**: Accused of the assassination; authored threatening writings, was identified by witnesses, and subjected to handwriting analysis and evidence evaluation.  
- **Witnesses**: Juan Romero, Karl Uecker, Frank Burns, Jesus Perez, Martin Patrusky, Judy Royer, Ronald Bennett (photographer), Andrew West (radio reporter), Alvin Clark, Joseph Sheehan, William Burton Blume.  
- **Law Enforcement**: Sergeant A. J. LaVallee (supervised models), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), F.B.I., Corona Police Department, Officer Placentia/Willoughby/Guadalupe Dela Garza.  
- **Experts**: Lawrence Sloan (handwriting analysis), Everett Buckner (range master), Dwayne Wolfer (criminologist), Dr. Thomas Noguchi (medical examiner).  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles)**: Site of the assassination; reenactments conducted in its pantry and hotel layout; evidence including bullet fragments and a floor plan was recovered.  
- **San Gabriel Valley Gun Club**: Sirhan’s reported practice with a .22 caliber revolver on June 4, 1968; signed a sign-in sheet.  
- **Good Samaritan Hospital**: Where Kennedy was treated; clothing and medical items were collected.  
- **Central Receiving Hospital**: Blood sample from Kennedy was stored here.  
- **696 East Howard Street, Pasadena**: Sirhan’s residence where notebooks, photographs, and personal documents were found.  

Key Events  
- **June 5–11, 1968**: Initial investigation by Rampart Detectives; evidence collected and evaluated.  
- **November 12–15, 1968**: Reenactments of the assassination at the Ambassador Hotel involving witnesses and law enforcement.  
- **July 4, 1968**: Sirhan’s alleged practice at the San Gabriel Valley Gun Club; witnessed by Charles Kendall and others.  
- **October 22, 1968**: Court ruling by Judge Herbert V. Walker deemed the search of Sirhan’s bedroom lawful, allowing evidence to be admitted.  
- **July 4–5, 1968**: 72-hour timeline detailing Sirhan’s movements, including visits to the San Gabriel Rifle Range and the Ambassador Hotel.  
- **June 5, 1968**: Evidence collection began, including items from Sirhan’s vehicle, home, and the Ambassador Hotel; Kennedy’s autopsy yielded bullet fragments and a slug for evidentiary purposes.  
- **Post-Arrest Behavior**: Sirhan remained composed during interrogations, refused to answer questions, and interacted with officers in a calm manner.  

Key Organizations  
- **Special Unit Senator (S.U.S.)**: Coordinated case preparation, evidence handling, and reenactments.  
- **District Attorney’s Office**: Conducted handwriting analysis, witness interviews, and evaluated evidentiary value of items for trial proceedings.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Handled evidence collection, reenactments, range investigations, and post-arrest interrogations.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.)**: Analyzed shell casings and provided forensic support.  
- **Medical Examiner’s Office**: Handled forensic evidence from Kennedy’s autopsy, including bullet fragments and a slug.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156_sec_002_ser_06-1968-02-1969-part_5_of_7.pdf

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