</s>LA 56-156 and he has been previously interviewed. All offices are requested to handle this matter as expeditiously as is possible, inasmuch as a report is expected to be submitted within the next two weeks. - 3 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details the trial and sentencing proceedings of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968. Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder following a lengthy trial that concluded in April 1969. The penalty phase focused on determining whether he would receive death or life imprisonment. Defense attorney Cooper argued that Sirhan’s actions were influenced by political motivations and mental instability, citing diminished capacity as a legal defense. Prosecutors emphasized the political nature of the assassination and its impact on democratic processes. The jury returned a murder verdict, but the specific penalty was deferred for further proceedings. Cooper requested a new jury for the penalty phase, which was denied by Judge Herbert V. Walker. The trial cost taxpayers over $1 million, with public criticism of its length and expense. Sirhan’s family and some Arab communities viewed him as a political martyr, while U.S. authorities condemned his actions. FBI and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office provided updates on the case, including interviews with witnesses like Walter Crowe and Ivan Garcia, who were connected to Sirhan but not directly involved in the assassination. A separate administrative memo noted Stirling B. Stirhan received a death sentence for RFK’s murder, with additional sentencing on May 11, 1969, for other shootings at the Ambassador Hotel. FBI investigations also explored potential suspects like Donald Clark and James Charles Bailey.  

Key People:  
- Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (defendant convicted of first-degree murder in RFK’s assassination)  
- Lynn D. Compton (prosecution lead, emphasized political aspects of the case)  
- Herbert V. Walker (judge presiding over trial and penalty phase)  
- Russell E. Parsons (defense attorney; mentioned in administrative memo)  
- Stirling B. Stirhan (received death sentence for RFK’s murder)  
- Donald Clark (subject of FBI investigation)  
- James Charles Bailey (subject of FBI interview)  
- Cooper (defense attorney, expressed disappointment with verdict)  
- John E. Howard (prosecutor who argued for death penalty based on Sirhan’s lack of remorse)  
- Walter Crowe (witness interviewed by LAPD; claimed to have met Sirhan in 1968)  
- Ivan Garcia (friend of Sirhan, mentioned as a former student at Pasadena City College)  

Key Locations:  
- Los Angeles, California (trial location, Hall of Justice)  
- Pasadena, California (site of Bob’s Restaurant where Sirhan and Crowe met; Pasadena City College)  
- Santa Monica, California (location of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Crowe worked)  
- San Gabriel, California (“Hi Life” bar mentioned in Marcoveccchio’s account)  
- Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Portland, Seattle (FBI offices and interview locations)  

Key Events:  
- Trial of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan for RFK’s assassination (June 5, 1968)  
- Jury deliberations and verdict (April 17–18, 1969)  
- Penalty phase proceedings (death or life imprisonment)  
- FBI investigations into potential suspects (Donald Clark, James Charles Bailey)  
- Interviews with witnesses like Walter Crowe and Ivan Garcia  
- Discontinuation of weekly summaries by the DA’s office (April 18, 1969)  
- Public criticism of trial length and cost exceeding $1 million  
- FBI monitoring of political groups, including Communist Party USA activity  

Key Organizations:  
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (managed prosecution and provided trial updates)  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (conducted interviews and investigations into suspects and radical groups)  
- Pasadena Police Department (conducted interviews with witnesses like Walter Crowe)  
- Communist Party (mentioned in context of Walter Crowe’s alleged affiliations)  
- Southern California District Communist Party (SCDP)  
- American Friends Service Committee (lending library for political literature)  
- Young Democrats (local organization Marcoveccchio attended)

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156_sec_013_ser_2726-2850-part_08_of_10.pdf

Document Summary

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