</s>Enclosure 62-587-1205 FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS BOX 32128 Class # Case # Sub Vol. Serial # 002 587 1 1205 ONLY 11/13/11011830 #3/24/83 RRPPOOL0008 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office compiled a 52-week series of weekly summaries detailing the investigation and trial of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. The summaries, issued by Dist. Atty. Evelle J. Younger’s office, aimed to provide public and media updates on the case, including investigative processes, trial proceedings, and controversies. Key elements included law enforcement collaboration (LAPD, FBI), witness testimonies, evidence handling challenges, and dismissals of conspiracy theories. The final summary, released June 4, 1969, emphasized the investigation’s thoroughness, transparency in legal proceedings, and public accountability.  

The trial involved Judge Herbert V. Walker presiding over proceedings, with prosecutors listing 65 witnesses, including medical experts, law enforcement, and individuals connected to Kennedy’s death. Defense claims of conspiracy were refuted by over 4,000 witness interviews and dismissed as lacking credible evidence. Sirhan was sentenced to death on May 21, 1969, with appeals and legal challenges discussed, including concerns about the death penalty and potential commutations. The investigation incorporated new police techniques like time charts and administrative tracking, while Dr. Thomas Noguchi’s autopsy procedures faced scrutiny. Media coverage included statements from officials, public reactions, and debates over transparency.  

The LAPD and FBI conducted parallel investigations, with LAPD’s Special Unit Senator task force interviewing over 4,000 witnesses and exchanging information with the FBI. Key aspects focused on witness accounts, including claims about a “polka dot dress girl” and alleged conspirators like Jose Duarte and Owen. Inconsistencies in testimonies, polygraph results, and lack of corroborating evidence led to discrediting of these claims. The document concluded no alternative suspects were substantiated and emphasized transparency by making investigative materials public for review.  

Key People  
- **Sirhan Bishara Sirhan**: Convicted assassin of Senator Robert F. Kennedy; sentenced to death for the 1968 assassination.  
- **Evelle J. Younger**: Los Angeles County District Attorney who oversaw the prosecution and initiated weekly summaries.  
- **Judge Herbert V. Walker**: Presided over the trial, emphasizing adherence to justice standards.  
- **Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi**: Coroner whose autopsy procedures were scrutinized during the trial.  
- **Sandra Serrano**: Claimed to have witnessed a “polka dot dress girl” near Sirhan; later retracted her account as fabricated.  
- **Vincent Di Pierro**: Witness who described a “polka dot dress girl” interacting with Kennedy; his testimony was found embellished.  
- **Owen (unidentified)**: Allegedly gave Sirhan a ride on June 3, 1968; inconsistent accounts disproven by polygraph results.  
- **Jose Duarte**: Alleged to have met Sirhan on May 21, 1968; only four individuals identified him as present.  
- **James W. Mundell**: A laicized priest who attended Kennedy’s party but was not in the pantry during the shooting.  
- **Saidallah Sirhan**: Brother of Sirhan B. Sirhan; reported being shot by a Volkswagen bus, linked to the same firearm used in the assassination.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles)**: Site of Senator Kennedy’s assassination and primary location for witness interviews.  
- **Pantry area**: Central location where Kennedy was shot; key witnesses included Valerie Schulte and Booker Griffin.  
- **Fire escape at Embassy Ballroom**: Alleged location of the “polka dot dress girl” sighting.  
- **Pasadena Freeway**: Site of an incident involving Saidallah Sirhan, linked to the same firearm used in the assassination.  
- **Los Angeles County Hall of Justice**: Headquarters for the District Attorney’s Office and location of press conferences.  
- **Rampart Station**: Police station where Sandra Serrano and Vincent Di Pierro were interrogated.  

Key Events  
- **June 5, 1968**: Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel; Sirhan Bishara Sirhan arrested and charged.  
- **May 21, 1969**: Sirhan convicted and sentenced to death for Kennedy’s murder.  
- **May 28, 1969**: District Attorney Younger addressed media, denying conspiracy claims and defending the trial process.  
- **April–May 1969**: Legal challenges over Dr. Noguchi’s autopsy procedures and potential appeals of Sirhan’s death sentence.  
- **June 4, 1969**: Final weekly summary issued by the District Attorney’s Office, concluding public updates on the case.  
- **Formation of LAPD Special Unit Senator**: Task force under Captain Hugh Brown investigated over 4,000 witnesses.  
- **FBI parallel investigation**: Conducted nationwide witness interviews and exchanged information with LAPD.  
- **Discrediting of “polka dot dress girl” claims**: Sound tests proved inaudibility; Sandra Serrano and Vincent Di Pierro retracted fabricated accounts.  
- **Review of Saidallah Sirhan’s shooting incident**: Linked to the same firearm used in Kennedy’s assassination.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office**: Led the prosecution of Sirhan and compiled weekly summaries.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Conducted initial investigation and led the Special Unit Senator task force.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Collaborated with LAPD on the investigation, providing resources and information.  
- **California Supreme Court**: Refused to modify court orders restricting media access during the trial.  
- **Los Angeles County Clerk**: Prepared duplicate copies of exhibits for public inspection pending appellate review.  
- **District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation**: Assisted in investigative assignments under the prosecution team.

RFK Declassified Files

62-hq-587_ebf_1205_sec_001_ser_1205_only-part_1_of_2.pdf

Document Summary

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