</s>Berg stated that there were a few matching individual strations on the bullets, but because of the lack of sufficient well defined and distinctive individual matching characteristics on 47, 52, and 54, a positive determination could not be made that the bullets had been fired from the Sirhan weapon. However, Berg stated that the markings noted on the Exhibits (meaning) the posteroids) showed that a matchbox with the sirhan gun was only a perseverance of the test bullets (a process of orientation that apparent "step away." Berg stated that 47, 52 and 54 had been phased by the experts with the test Bullets (a) process of orientation that apparent circumference had both bullets as they are slowly turned to the gross individual and other matching markings are noted around the circumference had both bullet holes as they were slowly turned in unison of the same type of bullet holes in the same direction. Wolfer either had not done, or is conducted, had failed to record adequately. Berg felt that this phase mark process of 47,52, and 51 with the 1975 test-fired bullets showed a strong suggestion to bullets with the Sirhran weapon. however, Berg was able positively identify and link bullets 47 and 52, the Kennedy and Goldstein bullets. They were sufficient matchmaking bullets also have the same weapon as well as the stations noted for determination and identification. Addi- stionally, Berg also able to positively link and match bullets there were good matching situations noted. again due to fact that the bullets were easily phased and that there were too much attention to the bullets. On cross examination, Berg explained that although bullets 47 & 54 were attempted to be similarities were noted during the phasing process, there were not enough sufficient, distinctive and well defined matching charac- possibly sufficient, these bullets. positively fluent, the two bullets with the same Weapon. However, since Berg was Able to link bullets 17 and 52 with the same weapon, and bullets 52 and 5 with the Same weapon. loose weapon, it must be emphasized, with the strong and diffusing fluent matching characteristics to be matched with thesame weapon. Again, it might be emphasized. threshold of identification used by the several ballistic experts experts refused to give their own formula for what they considered a positive identification and an inconclusive identification. However, however, the experts have experienced members, and use bullets that were also included in their ability to Lowell Bradford also intentionally was able to determine that bullets 47, 54 and 54 have been fired the same gun. Bradford fail that matched with 54, 52 mathematically with 51, deep to an groove was determined to be an individual characteristic. - 31 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details forensic and investigative analyses of the RFK assassination, focusing on ballistics evidence, witness testimonies, and controversies over weapon identification. Ballistics experts Berg, Bradford, Turner, and Morton examined bullets recovered from Kennedy, Goldstein, and Weisel, linking them to Sirhan’s revolver (Iver Johnson, 22 caliber, serial H5735) through markings like phase marks, groove impressions, and lead barrel discrepancies. While some experts concluded the bullets were fired from a single weapon, others noted inconsistencies in markings or eyewitness accounts that suggested potential involvement of a second firearm. Special Counsel Kranz investigated claims of cover-ups, including spent cartridges found in Sirhan’s car and allegations of multiple bullets fired (e.g., Mrs. Lillian Castellano’s assertion of more than eight rounds). Photographs of bullet holes in the Ambassador Hotel pantry were scrutinized, with conflicting testimonies from photographers like Wally Fong and witnesses such as Angelo DiPierre. The LAPD conducted searches for physical evidence but found no bullets or fragments, though a nail was mistakenly identified as a bullet. DeWayne Wolfer’s ballistics tests and disputes over evidence preservation raised concerns about forensic reliability. The case remains closed but subject to reopening with new evidence, with recommendations for independent crime laboratories to address systemic issues in forensic analysis.  

Key People  
- **Berg**: Ballistics expert who linked bullets 47, 52, and 54 to Sirhan’s weapon based on phase marks and groove impressions.  
- **Bradford**: Matched bullets 47, 52, and 54 to the same gun but could not definitively link all three.  
- **Turner**: Noted similarities in gross characteristics of bullets but lacked microscopic evidence for positive identification.  
- **Morton**: Analyzed groove impressions on evidence bullets, suggesting they matched Sirhan’s weapon but acknowledged potential damage from handling or oxidation.  
- **Sirhan Sirhan**: Accused assassin whose revolver was central to the investigation; no credible evidence of conspiracy found.  
- **Kranz**: Special Counsel who investigated cover-up claims and forensic controversies.  
- **Wolfer**: Conducted ballistics tests on the weapon, with methods scrutinized for reliability.  
- **Castellano**: Critic who argued more than eight bullets were fired.  
- **DiPierre**: Witness who described observing a bullet hole in the pantry area post-assassination.  
- **Fong**: Photographer who took disputed images of the hotel and claimed no officers mentioned the hole during the event.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel pantry**: Site of the assassination where Kennedy, Goldstein, and Weisel were shot; focus of bullet hole analysis and witness observations.  
- **LAPD parking lot**: Where officers Rozzi and Wright conducted security checks post-assassination.  
- **Glove compartment of Sirhan’s car**: Contained a spent cartridge allegedly linked to cover-up claims.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) facilities**: Conducted forensic searches and interviews for bullet evidence.  

Key Events  
- **Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy**: Occurred in the Ambassador Hotel pantry on June 5, 1968.  
- **Ballistics panel analysis**: Examination of recovered bullets to determine weapon origin, with debates over single vs. multiple firearms.  
- **Photographic evidence review**: Investigation into disputed images of bullet holes and witness accounts of post-assassination observations.  
- **Search for physical evidence**: LAPD and other agencies conducted searches for bullet fragments in wood panels and ceiling tiles but found none.  
- **Special Counsel Kranz’s investigations**: Explored allegations of conspiracies, cover-ups, and forensic discrepancies.  
- **Ballistics test disputes**: Scrutiny of DeWayne Wolfer’s methods and evidence preservation concerns.  
- **Ten-volume file review**: Documented the case’s closure in 1976 but noted potential for reopening with new evidence.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Conducted security checks, forensic searches, and investigations post-assassination.  
- **Ballistics panel**: Group of experts analyzing bullet markings to determine weapon origin.  
- **Special Counsel Kranz’s office**: Oversaw investigations into evidence handling, cover-up claims, and forensic reforms.  
- **Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office**: Custody of exhibits and documents related to the case.  
- **Superior Court of Los Angeles County**: Issued orders for preserving evidence and managing judicial oversight.

RFK Declassified Files

62-hq-587_ebf_1336_sec_001_ser_1336_only-part_6_of_6.pdf

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