Inventory of the Los Angeles Police Department Records of the Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation, ca. 1968-1978
Processed by The California State Archives staff; machine-readable finding aid created by
Xiuzhi Zhou
California State Archives
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (916) 653-2246
Fax: (916) 653-7363
Email: ArchivesWeb@sos.ca.gov
URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
© 1999
California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Inventory of the Los Angeles Police Department Records of the Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation, ca. 1968-1978
California State Archives
Office of the Secretary of State
Sacramento, California
Contact Information:
- California State Archives
- 1020 "O" Street
- Sacramento, California 95814
- Phone: (916) 653-2246
- Fax: (916) 653-7363
- Email: ArchivesWeb@sos.ca.gov
- URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
- Processed by:
- The California State Archives staff
- Encoded by:
- Xiuzhi Zhou
© 1999 California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Los Angeles Police Department Records of the Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation,
Date (inclusive): ca. 1968-1978
Creator:
Los Angeles (Calif.). Police Dept.
Extent: ca. 50,000 pages
Repository:
California State Archives
Language:
English.
Administrative Information
Publication Rights
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Los Angeles Police Department Records of the Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation, California
State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento, California.
Introduction
When the California State Archives received the Kennedy assassination investigation records in August 1987, it was apparent
that the records would require special treatment. In examining the material, one is immediately struck by both the magnitude
of the investigation and the size and types of records generated by it. Among the 50,000 pages created by Special Unit Senator
(SUS) may be found a card index of over 8,200 entries, over 4,800 interviews, nearly 2,900 photographs, 155 items of physical
evidence, and a bewildering number and variety of audio and videotapes. In all, the investigation consumed over 6,400 personnel
hours during a thirteen-month period and cost in excess of $289,000.
To a great extent, the records have been organized following the filing system and order established by SUS, as is customary
in archival practice. Series titles have been retained except in a few cases when they seemed confusing or misleading. Significant
duplication shows up throughout the records. That is, a particular report or interview may appear in several aspects of the
investigation. In order to document this practice, such duplication has not been eliminated unless it occurred within the
same file unit.
The records are divided into four distinct groups. The largest group by far consists of the records of Special Unit Senator,
1968-1969, which conducted the investigation. The bulk of the SUS records relate to the interview process -- Interviews (series
#11), Transcripts (series #22), or Tape Recorded Interviews (series #30). Other large series exist on conspiracies -- Conspiracy
Investigation Files (series #27), and on the Final Reports (series #12). The second group is relatively small in comparison,
but significant. These are the Re-investigative Files, 1974-1978, which focus on many of the "second-gun" theories that surfaced
after Sirhan's trial. The third body of materials comprise the exhibits found in Sirhan's trial in Los Angeles County Superior
Court, The People of the State of California v. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (A233421). The fourth group of records are the Wolfer
Board records which constitute an internal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department into allegations against DeWayne
Wolfer who conducted the ballistic studies in the case.
A researcher should be aware that, with few exceptions, access to the records will be provided through a user version of a
16mm microfilm copy. Microfilm roll numbers are printed next to each microfilmed series described in the guide. This has been
done not only to preclude use of information excluded from public access by state law, but also to ensure preservation of
the originals. A number of items have been copied to facilitate use of the records. All motion picture film and U-matic videotapes
have been transferred to a cassette format with, in some cases, enhanced sound qualities. Copy negatives have been produced
for all photographs where none existed previously. The entire collection has been microfilmed for security purposes.
From the beginning, every effort has been made to provide the fullest possible disclosure of the records. In many instances,
though particular series contained sensitive information, a decision was made to open the records for examination. These decisions
were made through a determination that the historical significance of the investigation and the "public's right to know" outweighed
an "individual's right to privacy". As a result, in the few places where restrictions are noted, the justification is firmly
rooted in California statutory law. This is true for the following categories: all records relating to arrests and convictions
created by the State Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation; fingerprint records; records
with any information about the arrest or conviction of juveniles; school records containing student names; autopsy photographs;
and selected personnel documents from the aforementioned Wolfer Board records. In addition, two other types of records are
restricted: FBI records; and police records from agencies other than the Los Angeles Police Department noted as "confidential".
Researchers who desire access to these latter records should contact the FBI or appropriate originating jurisdiction directly.
A body of related information may be found elsewhere. The
Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Archives at Southeastern Massachusetts University (North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747) contains a large collection of materials
on the case. Included among these records are files donated by several writers and researchers and materials purchased from
the National Archives and Records Administration-Pacific Southwest Region, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office,
and the FBI. Another source of information is the Assassination Archives and Research Center (918 "F" Street, N.W., Suite
510, Washington, D.C. 20004). The Center maintains an extensive collection of government documents, interviews, unpublished
manuscripts, photographs, audio tapes, and secondary works. These materials may be regarded as supplementing the records described
in this guide, although doubtless some minor duplication exists. The California State Archives also maintains other records
of interest, including Sirhan's appeal to the State Supreme Court (Case No. 14026).
Most researchers and, in particular, those unfamiliar with the investigation, will find a review of the ten-volume, uncensored
version of the final report to be a useful starting point. The report summarizes in much detail the work of the investigation
and draws heavily from records to be found in almost every other series. A table of contents for this report may be found
in Appendix B of the guide. In addition, a number of indices are interspersed throughout the collection which, in some cases,
provide detailed information concerning the contents of the series in question. Whenever present, these indices will be located
at the beginning of the microfilmed series.
Questions about restricted materials, use and availability of materials, and other matters related to the records, should
be addressed in writing to Nancy Zimmelman at the California State Archives.
Appendices
Appendix A: List of Physical Evidence
* Note: All items of RFK's clothing are in the possession of the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Appendix B: The 1969 Final Report: Table of Contents
See the master finding aid available on the California State Archives website for more information
Appendix C: List of Motion Picture Films
- Special Unit Senator composite film:
- "Senator Kennedy Assassination", June 5, 1968
- Pat Paulsen (prior to Kennedy speech) Produced by Group One Productions
- Ambassador Hotel, June 4, 1968
Note: no audio
- Kennedy Speech and Shooting Aftermath
- Embassy ballroom, Ambassador Hotel, June 4-5, 1968
Note: no audio
- Kennedy Shooting Aftermath
- Ambassador Hotel pantry, June 5, 1968
Note: no audio
- Kennedy Shooting Aftermath
- Ambassador Hotel, NBC News film, June 5, 1968
Note: no audio
- Kennedy Shooting Aftermath
- Ambassador Hotel, KNXT News film, June 5, 1968
- Kennedy Shooting Aftermath
- Ambassador Hotel, CBS News film, June 5, 1968
- Good Government Kennedy Rally
- Produced by TRW Systems Group, May 16, 1968
Note: no audio
- Kennedy Rally
- Ambassador Hotel, June 2, 1968
Note: no audio
- Re-enactment of the Assassination; Reviewing Polka-dot Dresses
- Ambassador Hotel; other unspecified locations, June ?, 1968 and other unspecified dates.
Created by Special Unit Senator
Note: very poor quality; at times, no picture and/or poor audio quality
Appendix D: Index to the Transcripts
See the master finding aid available on the California State Archives website for more information
Appendix E: Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Investigation Records Audio Tapes
*Note: Unless otherwise noted, all audio tapes are recordings of interviews who were not witnesses to the shooting.
People v. Sirhan Sirhan
The following tapes were part of the evidence in the case, People v. Sirhan Sirhan. The tapes were transferred to the California
State Archives from the National Archives, Pacific Southwest Region in Laguna Niguel, California.
Interview by John F. Burns
The following tape is an oral history interview conducted by California State Archivist, John F. Burns.
Appendix F:Index to Photographs
See the master finding aid available on the California State Archives website for more information
Appendix G:Microfilm Index
See the master finding aid available on the California State Archives website for more information
Appendix H:List and Description of Trial Exhibits
See the master finding aid available on the California State Archives website for more information
Appendix I: Policies and Procedures for Use of Collection
1. Documents from the Los Angeles Police Department records of the Robert F. Kennedy assassination investigation are available
only on microfilm. In addition, the collection contains copies of audio tapes, video tapes, and photographs.
2. Copies of microfilm, audio tape, video tape, and photographs may be purchased. All orders for microfilm and audio tape
must be prepaid.
3. Microfilm. Rolls of microfilm can be purchased at a cost of $25.00/roll or $600.00 for the complete set (24 rolls). Included
with the complete set is a finding aid. The finding aid may be purchased separately for $22.50. Checks should be made payable
to "California Archives Foundation". Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted.
4. Photographs. Copies of photographs may be purchased at a cost of $10.00/image for order preparation plus applicable reproduction
charges. Check with Archives staff for additional details.
5. Audio and Video Materials. For copies of selected audio tapes and video tapes, contact the California State Archives.
Appendix J: Selected Bibliography
Blumenthal, Sid and Harvey Yazijian, eds.
Government by Gunplay: Assassination Conspiracy Theories from Dallas to Today. New York: New American Library, 1976.
Committee to Investigate Assassinations.
American Political Assassinations: A Bibliography of Works Published 1963-1970, Related to the Assassination of John F. Kennedy,
Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy.
Washington [distributed by Special Collections Division, Georgetown University Library], 1973.
Freed, Donald.
The Killing of RFK. New York: Dell, 1975.
Goode, Stephen.
Assassination. New York: F. Watts, 1979.
Gorey, Hays.
Robert Kennedy, The Last Campaign. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1993.
Houghton, Robert A.
Special Unit Senator: The Investigation of the Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. New York: Random House, 1970.
Jansen, Godfrey H.
Why Robert Kennedy Was Killed: The Story of Two Victims. New York: Third Press, 1970.
Joesten, Joachim.
New Light on the Robert Kennedy Murder Fraud: How the True Facts of the RFK Assassination Were Covered Up. Gutenberg, Germany: Joesten, 1972.
Joesten, Joachim.
Trilogy of Murder. Gutenberg, Germany: Joesten, [1967]-1969.
Kaiser, Robert Blair.
"R.F.K. Must Die!": A History of the Robert Kennedy Assassination and Its Aftermath. New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 1970.
Klaber, William and Philip H. Melanson.
Shadow Play: The Murder of Robert F. Kennedy, the Trial of Sirhan Sirhan, and the Failure of American Justice. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997.
Knight, Janet.
Three Assassinations: The Deaths of John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. 2 vols. New York: Facts on File, 1971-1978.
Kurland, Gerald.
The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Charlotteville, NY: SamHar Press, 1973.
Mehdi, Mohammed Taki.
Kennedy and Sirhan: Why? New York: New World Press, 1968.
Melanson, Philip.
The Robert F. Kennedy Assassination. New York: Shapolsky Publishers, 1991.
Moldea, Dan E. "Who Really Killed Bobby Kennedy?", (Regardie's, June 1987).
Moldea, Dan E.
The Killing of Robert F. Kennedy. New York: W.W. Norton, 1995.
Noyes, Peter.
Legacy of Doubt. New York: Pinnacle Books, 1973.
Scheim, David E.
Contract on America: The Mafia Murders of John and Robert Kennedy. Silver Spring, MD: Argyle Press, 1983.
Scott, Peter Dale, Paul L. Hoch, and Russel Stetler, eds.
The Assassinations-- Dallas and Beyond: A Guide to Cover-ups and Investigations. 3rd edition. New York: Random House, 1978.
Shihab, Aziz.
Sirhan. San Antonio: Naylor Co., 1969.
Steinbacher, John.
Robert Francis Kennedy, the Man, the Mysticism, the Murder. Los Angeles: Impact Publishers, 1968.
Steinkellner, Hans.
A Very Gentle Person: A Play in Three Acts About the Robert Kennedy Assassination. Kensington, CA: H. Steinkellner, 1975.
Time-Life Books, eds.
True Crime: Assassination. Alexandria, Virginia: Time-Life Inc., 1994.
Turner, William W. and Jonn G. Christian.
The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy: A Searching Look at the Conspiracy and Cover-up 1968-1978. New York: Random House, 1978.
United Press International.
Assassination: Robert F. Kennedy, 1925-1968. New York: Cowles, 1968.
Name Index to Audio Tapes
Abo, Dr. Stanley
CSA-K114
Almond, Charles
CSA-K181
Altenbaugh, Charlie
CSA-K42
Altfillisch, Bert
CSA-K34
Arnot, Larry
CSA-K67, CSA-K68
Aubry, Richard
CSA-K86
Azirian, Stepan
CSA-K115
Ballantyne, Nina
CSA-K54
Barry, William
CSA-K6 (Part 2)
Behunin, Ruth
CSA-K81 (A)
Bobbitt, Danny G.
CSA-K19
Booth, Lucy
CSA-K81 (A)
Braden, Jim
CSA-K14
Breslin, James
CSA-K140
Buck, David
CSA-K43
Buck, Dorothy
CSA-K43
Buckner, Everett, Sr.
CSA-K40 (A), CSA-K51, CSA-K126, CSA-K127
Burba, Harold L.
CSA-K24 (A)
Burns, Frank, Jr.
CSA-K10
Carreon, Henry
CSA-K100 (A) & (B)
Casden, Robin
CSA-K76, CSA-K80
Cesar, Thane
CSA-K7, CSA-K8, CSA-K24 (A) & (B)
Charach, Theodore
CSA-K29 (B), CSA-K97 (A) & (B), CSA-K146 (A) & (B)
Christian, Jonn
CSA-K145, CSA-K174
Clark, Alvin
CSA-K98
Cordero, Humphrey
CSA-K141 (A)
Corey, Beverly
CSA-K89, CSA-K90
Crabbendam, J.G.
CSA-K168 (A) & (B), CSA-K169
Crowe, Margaret
CSA-K45 (A)
Crowe, Walter, Jr.
CSA-K59 (A) & (B), CSA-K60 (A) & (B), CSA-K61
Crowe, Walter, Sr.
CSA-K45 (A)
Cuccia, Vicki
CSA-K111 (A)
Curtis, Lloyd W.
CSA-K24 (A)
Davis, George
CSA-K130, CSA-K131, CSA-K175
Deeb, Dr. Paul
CSA-K34, CSA-K103 (B)
DeNier, Veronica
CSA-K81 (A)
DiPierro, Vincent
CSA-K4, CSA-K5, CSA-K12, CSA-K122, CSA-K125
Dirks, Charles
CSA-K133
Droz, Fred
CSA-K29 (A)
Duarte, Jose
CSA-K53, CSA-K69, CSA-K70 (A) & (B), CSA-K71 (A) & (B), CSA-K116
Duffey, Estelyn
CSA-K19
Dunsay, M. Denise
CSA-K111 (B)
Dutton, Frederick
CSA-K6 (Part 2), CSA-K167
Endersby, Victor
CSA-K186 (A) & (B)
Enyart, Scott
CSA-K19
Erhard, George
CSA-K22, CSA-K52, CSA-K94, CSA-K120
Evans, Elizabeth
CSA-K128
Fahey, John
CSA-K32 (A) & (B), CSA-K50, CSA-K56 (A) & (B), CSA-K162, CSA-K164 (A) & (B), CSA-K165 (A), (B), & (C)
Farr, Gloria
CSA-K82
Farrell, Thomas
CSA-K109 (B)
Fisher, Alfred
CSA-K47 (B)
Fisher, Joel
CSA-K29 (A)
Fontanini, Steve
CSA-K84
Frankenheimer, John
CSA-K163
Fraser, Terry
CSA-K109 (B)
Freed, Evan
CSA-K16
Fulmer, Cathy Sue
CSA-K91
Gallivan, J.W.
CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Gearhart, John
CSA-K57, CSA-K58
Gilbert, Keith
CSA-K187 (A) & (B)
Goldstein, Ira
CSA-K75, CSA-K134
Grant, Maurice
CSA-K9
Grecco, Eva
CSA-K81 (A)
Grier, Roosevelt
CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Griffin, Booker
CSA-K11
Grijalva, Richard
CSA-K42, CSA-K72
Grijalva, Roberta
CSA-K42, CSA-K72
Groves, Judy
CSA-K29 (A), CSA-K84
Groves, Sanford
CSA-K29 (B)
Grugan, Clarence
CSA-K24 (A)
Gugas, Chris
CSA-K37
Gutierrez, Frank
CSA-K152
Guy, Virginia
CSA-K92
Hager, Lloyd
CSA-K40 (A)
Haggerty, Michael
CSA-K83
Hall, Melvin S.
CSA-K6 (Part 1) & (Part 2)
Hansen, Eve
CSA-K54
Hanson, Leland
CSA-K109 (A)
Haraden, Parker
CSA-K42
Harrington, Wesley
CSA-K188
Havalla, Bassam
CSA-K99
Heacock, Margaret
CSA-K101
Heinemann, Larry
CSA-K103 (A)
Herrick, Donna
CSA-K149, CSA-K150
Herrick, Jeanne
CSA-K78
Hogue, Lt.
CSA-K176
Holgate, Michael
CSA-K109 (A)
Holmes, Milton
CSA-K148
Howard, John
CSA-K73
Hubbard, Cora
CSA-K79
Iqbal, Khalid
CSA-K111 (B)
Jacobs, Mabel
CSA-K109 (B) & (C)
Jalalipour, Reza
CSA-K71 (A) & (B)
Jennings, Trudi
CSA-K77
Jensen, Officer D.
CSA-K110
Johnson, Rafer
CSA-K85
Jones, James
CSA-K108
Keenan, James
CSA-K130
Kendall, Charles
CSA-K40 (B), CSA-K109 (A)
Khan, Khaibar
CSA-28 (A)
Khoury, Barbara
CSA-K89, CSA-K90
Khoury, John
CSA-K142
Khoury, Nabil
CSA-K90
Kouchan, Maryam
CSA-K28 (A) & (B)
Kovack, Michael
CSA-K111 (A)
Kovack, Rosemary
CSA-K111 (A)
Kowalec, Stanley
CSA-K24 (A)
Kramer, Patricia
CSA-K103 (A)
Kristastamo, Mrs.
CSA-K174
Laemmle, Raquel
CSA-K53
Laemmle, Robert
CSA-K114
LaHive, Joseph A.
CSA-K19, CSA-K82
Lahmer, Virginia
CSA-K113
Lane, Mark
CSA-K147
LaScola, Dr. Ray
CSA-K37
Lee, Harry
CSA-K42
Licher, Robert
CSA-K180
Long, James
CSA-K168 (A) & (B), CSA-K169
Lowe, Lois
CSA-K113
Lubic, Richard
CSA-K118 (A) & (B), CSA-K119
Ludlow, John
CSA-K46 (A) & (B)
Lynch, Cecil
CSA-K48, CSA-K108
Mankiewicz, Frank
CSA-K6 (Part 2), CSA-73
Marcus, Michael D.
CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Mardigani, Carl
CSA-K20 (A) & (B)
Martin, Raymond
CSA-K108
Martin, Rhoda
CSA-K186 (B)
Martinez, Frank
CSA-K152
McChesney, Grove
CSA-K42
McKay, Roderick
CSA-K182
Midby, Glen H.
CSA-K19
Miller, Dr. Milton
CSA-K103 (B)
Minasian, Edward
CSA-K9, CSA-K87
Mitchell, Charles
CSA-K101
Montellano, David
CSA-K100 (A)
Morse, Bert
CSA-K109 (B)
Mundell, Rev. James
CSA-K106
Murphy, Fred A.
CSA-K24 (A)
Murray, Barbara
CSA-K132
Nagin, Larry
CSA-K179 (A) & (B)
Nilsson, Dr. Paul
CSA-K103 (A) & (B)
Noyes, Peter
CSA-K170, CSA-K171 (A), (B), & (C), CSA-K172
Osterkamp, Peggy
CSA-K34
Owen, Jerry
CSA-K23, CSA-K55 (A) & (B), CSA-K130, CSA-K153
Parsons, Russell
CSA-K17, CSA-K33
Patrusky, Martin
CSA-K9
Perez, Jesus
CSA-K8
Perez, Thomas
CSA-K24 (A)
Perkins, Rev. Jonathan
CSA-K173
Peters, Henry
CSA-K160 (A) & (B)
Peters, Lawrence
CSA-K159
Pilger, John
CSA-K124
Plimpton, Freddy
CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Plimpton, George
CSA-K19
Powers, William
CSA-K185
Price, William
CSA-K52
Pruszynski, Stus
CSA-K123
Rabago, Enrique
CSA-K141 (A)
Radabaugh, Jack
CSA-K95
Rathke, Walter Thomas
CSA-K35
Reddin, Chief Thomas
CSA-K15
Reinke, Donald
CSA-K19
Richtel, Murray
CSA-K179 (A) & (B)
Ripp, James
CSA-K42
Rivercomb, George
CSA-K172
Rogers, Warren
CSA-K151
Romero, Juan
CSA-K9
Rothberg, James
CSA-K24 (A)
Royer, Judy
CSA-K117
Rutledge, Queen E.
CSA-K9
Saccoman, Michael
CSA-K109 (A) & (B)
Schnepper, Dr. John
CSA-K34
Schulman, Donald
CSA-K13
Scott, Diane
CSA-K109 (B)
Sem, Kenny
CSA-K42
Serrano, Sandra
CSA-K1, CSA-K2, CSA-K3, CSA-K4, CSA-K5, CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Sheets, Millard
CSA-K144
Sher, Paul
CSA-K34
Shields, Lester
CSA-K109 (B)
Sirhan, Adel
CSA-K25 (A) & (B), CSA-K41, CSA-K88, CSA-K102, CSA-K154 (A) & (B), CSA-K155, CSA-K157
Sirhan, Mary
CSA-K25 (A), CSA-K41, CSA-K107, CSA-K154 (A) & (B), CSA-K155, CSA-K157
Sirhan, Munir
CSA-K22, CSA-K25 (A), CSA-K26 (A) & (B), CSA-K27, CSA-K49, CSA-K52, CSA-K154 (A) & (B)
Sirhan, Saidallah
CSA-K25 (A), CSA-K44, CSA-K45 (A) & (B), CSA-K47 (A), CSA-K136 (A) & (B), CSA-K137
Sirhan, Sharif
CSA-K25 (A), CSA-K41, CSA-K104
Sirhan, Sirhan
CSA-K21
Sirhan, Sirhan (as John Doe)
CSA-K62, CSA-K63, CSA-K64, CSA-K65 (A) & (B), CSA-K66 (A), (B), & (C)
Sirhan, Sirhan (psychiatric interview):
F3906:89 (A), (B) & (C), F3906:91, F3906:93 (A) & (B), F3906:94 (A) & (B), F3906:95 (A) & (B)
Smith, Ron
CSA-K135
Smith, Stephen
CSA-K92
Stephens, Merla
CSA-K183
Steward, Richard
CSA-K42
Strathmann, John Henry
CSA-K38
Strathmann, Patricia
CSA-K113
Stroll, Irwin
CSA-K129
Swanson, Ellis
CSA-K74
Taylor, Genevieve
CSA-K30 (A) & (B)
Teresa, Virginia
CSA-K105 (A) & (B)
Thornbrugh, James
CSA-K100 (B), CSA-K109 (A), CSA-K143
Tingley, Jake
CSA-K43
Trout, Orie
CSA-K42
Trower, Ben
CSA-K42
Tuck, Richard
CSA-K92, CSA-K138
Turner, William
CSA-K147
Uecker, Karl
CSA-K8
Unruh, Jesse
CSA-K79
Van Antwerp, Edward
CSA-K186 (A)
Velazco, Alberto
CSA-K152
Wall, Mary
CSA-K74
Warshaw, Carmen
CSA-K139
Wayne, Michael L.
CSA-K9, CSA-K18, CSA-K29 (B)
Weaver, Dennis
CSA-K84
Weaver, Russell
CSA-K109 (A)
Weatherly, John
CSA-K184
Weidner, John
CSA-K112, CSA-K177
Welch, Terry
CSA-K161
Westerfield, Rex
CSA-K156
Weston, Don
CSA-K178, CSA-K179 (A)
Wheeler, Robert L.
CSA-K159
Wheeler, ?
CSA-K159
White, William Walker, Jr.
CSA-K103 (B)
Williams, Claudia
CSA-K36
Williams, Ralph
CSA-K84
Williams, Ron
CSA-K36
Williman, L.C.
CSA-K6 (Part 1)
Wolf, Dr. Jerome
CSA-K121
X-Ray Technician
CSA-K159
Yaroslavski, Boris
CSA-K20 (A)
Yorty, Mayor Samuel
CSA-K93
Yoshio, Niwa
CSA-K9
KABC-TV News Broadcast
CSA-K39 (A), (B), & (C)
KLA-Radio Broadcast
CSA-K31
Tempo II, Channel 9
CSA-K116
Records of Special Unit Senator
Scope and Content Note
Special Unit Senator (SUS), the LAPD task force that carried out all aspects of the investigation, was created on June 11,
1968 under the direction of Chief of Detectives Robert Houghton. The need for an independent, special task force arose from
the Department's realization that the nature of the investigation would overtax resources normally available to the Detectives
Division. Accordingly, the case received top priority and SUS staff were handpicked from throughout the Department based on
the quality of their previous work and particular skills, including investigative experience, knowledge of foreign languages
and scientific applications, and records-keeping systems. Initially, staff included Task Force Commander, Captain Hugh Brown,
three lieutenants, 18 detective sergeants, and two clerical personnel. Within one week, 37 additional officers and seven civilians
were added to the work force.
The investigation itself was divided into three basic areas: case preparation, in cooperation with the Los Angeles County
District Attorney's office; Sirhan's background; and conspiracy leads. The scope and size of the investigation necessitated
a close coordination not only with other LAPD divisions, but also with the FBI, U.S. Attorney General's office, Los Angeles
County Sheriff's office, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Special Unit Senator was disbanded in July 1969.
All juvenile and school records throughout the collection have been withheld from disclosure pursuant to Welfare and Institutions
Code, sections 389, 781, 827, and 828, and Education Code, sections 49076(b) (2), 49061(b), and 49073.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 1-3
Series 1
Card Index
1968-1969
Physical Description:
Approximately 8,250 cards
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by surname or topic.
Scope and Content Note
A master card index of all individuals interviewed or contacted during the investigation. Each card may contain name and address
of individual, dates and time of interview, summary of interview, interview number, and name(s) of interviewer(s). Some cards
may also contain reference to FBI reports (see series #8) and occupation of individual. An alphabetical card index to audio
tapes may be found at the end of the series containing names of individuals interviewed by Special Unit Senator. Logs that
summarize much of this information are found at the end of roll number 3.
Microfilm Roll No. 4
Series 2
Office Files
1968-1969
Physical Description:
25 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged topically by record type.
Scope and Content Note
Records created and received by Special Unit Senator (SUS) during its investigation. These include: a roster of SUS
personnel containing a description of individual assignments and a biographical summary with photograph of each officer involved
in the case; intradepartmental correspondence; correspondence outside of SUS; evaluation of investigation prepared by SUS
staff, including a summary evaluation by Lt. Roy Keene; daily summaries of activities, a chronological report of case progress,
status of current areas of investigation, administrative activities, meetings attended, and liaison with other agencies, relating
to four major SUS officers --Capt. Hugh Brown and Lts. Roy Keene, Manuel Pena, and Charles Higbie; outline of final report;
indices of tape recorded interviews, progress reports, and Kassab investigation (see series #27, Conspiracy Investigation
Files); manual of SUS records and operations; memoranda and special orders from Chief of Police; monthly overtime assignment
sheets and reports; personal expense statements; personnel complaints; expenditures and requisitions, telephone logs; traffic
accident reports; vehicle assignment sheets; miscellaneous reports; and SUS forms.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 3
Arrest Reports1968
Physical Description:
1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by report number.
Scope and Content Note
Reports created at time of Sirhan Sirhan's arrest or, later, during his booking or investigation. File includes arrest reports,
booking slips, and investigator's final reports. Information contained in reports includes booking number, location where
booked, type of offense, arrestee's name, sex, ethnicity, age, social security number, hair and eye color, height and weight,
birth date and place, time arrested and booked, address, clothing, victim's name, names of witnesses, circumstances of arrest,
name(s) of reporting officer(s), arrestee's occupation and place of employment, credit references, names and addresses of
relatives and associates, action taken, right thumb print, and list of arrestee's property.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 4
Broadcasts and Teletypes1968-1969
Physical Description:
4 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by document number.
Scope and Content Note
Messages sent and received by LAPD requesting or transmitting information concerning the investigation. In addition to broadcasts
and teletypes, a log of data released to other agencies is included. Messages include the following information: date of message;
names of parties receiving and sending message; and nature of message.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 5
Crime Reports1968.
Physical Description:
1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by report number.
Scope and Content Note
Reports relating to investigations made by LAPD concerning all victims at Kennedy assassination site and complaints of Sirhan's
family and others in response to threats or criminal activities carried out against them. Information includes victim's name,
weapon, force, or means used, type of crime, apparent motive, location of crime, number of suspects and their sex and ethnicity,
dates and times occurred and reported, suspect's trademarks, type of premises, investigative division or unit notified and
person contacted, vehicle used by suspect, related reports, victim's condition, occupation, sex, ethnicity, birth date, address,
home and business phone numbers, suspect identification, reconstruction of crime and description, location found, and disposition
of physical evidence.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 6
Rosters1968.
Physical Description:
3 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by record number.
Scope and Content Note
Rosters of Kennedy campaign workers and individuals present in the Colonial Room the night of the assassination. Campaign
worker rosters include name of worker, address, and telephone number; Colonial Room rosters include name of individual present,
affiliation, brief summary of their activities just prior to and at time of shooting, and, in some cases, interview number
(see series #11, Interviews).
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 7
Evidence Files1968.
Physical Description:
5 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by record number.
Scope and Content Note
Records created during investigation to document the receipt and evaluation of physical evidence. Files include evidence reports,
property reports and receipts, search warrants, statements relating to a history of the gun used in the assassination, a copy
of Sirhan's notebook and related papers, and materials relating to FBI investigation of items found in Sirhan's car and room.
For physical evidence used in Sirhan's trial, see Trial Exhibits, series #35. For evidence not used in the trial, see Physical
Evidence, series #33.
Index included at beginning of series. See Appendices A and H for a list and description of all physical evidence, whether
used in Sirhan's trial or not.
Series 8
FBI Indexes and Report1968-1969
Physical Description:
4 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by report date.
Scope and Content Note
Eight indexes to reports prepared by the FBI during its investigation. Each index alphabetically lists the names of individuals
and other topics that appear in the report with a corresponding page number. Copies of the actual reports received by Special
Unit Senator were taken apart and interfiled with the interview or particular investigation to which they related. An intact
copy of the eighth report is included with the last index.
These records are restricted.
Microfilm Roll No. 5
Series 9
Polygraph Reports and Charts1968-1969.
Physical Description:
3 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by report number.
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of two record types: polygraph reports, which contain narrative summaries of polygraph examinations administered
by Special Unit Senator, including dates of report and examination, names of examinee and examiner, and conclusions; and polygraph
charts, containing a copy of the report, a list of questions asked, and the chart itself.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 6
Series 10
Logs1968.
Physical Description:
14 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged by type of log and then chronologically by date of recording.
Scope and Content Note
Chronological summaries created by various divisions within LAPD concerning aspects of the investigation. Records relate to
the following areas: LAPD activities at the Ambassador Hotel and Good Samaritan Hospital immediately after shooting; Kennedy
itinerary; unusual occurrences surrounding the assassination, including arrest summaries and number and location where officers
were assigned; sick or injury reports for officers assigned to investigation; employee reports prepared by officers prior
to shooting or by officers assigned to investigation, including date of report and narrative summary of events; summaries
of LAPD sergeants regarding events prior to or immediately after shooting; divisional watch lists; radio communications; press
passes; Kennedy motorcade on 5-29-1968; activity reports of LAPD officers for 6-4/6-5-1968; and verbatim transcriptions of
telephone and radio transmissions on 6-5-1968.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 8-11
Series 11
Interviews1968-1969
Physical Description:
64 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by interview number.
Scope and Content Note
Interviews conducted by LAPD and FBI to obtain an eyewitness account of what occurred at the Ambassador Hotel and to gather
information about Sirhan's background and activities prior to his arrest. Each interview has a statement and summary report.
Among those interviewed were medical personnel who attended to the shooting victims; LAPD officers on duty that evening; media
personnel, correspondents, reporters, and technicians covering the California primary election; campaign workers and volunteers;
hotel guests and employees; Sirhan's friends, neighbors, former teachers, classmates, and employers; patrons of the San Gabriel
Valley Gun Club; and civic-minded citizens who reported what they saw or heard that might be related to the case. Cross references
are made to other interviews within the series.
All FBI interviews are restricted.
Although no separate index is available, the Card Index (see series #1) provides alphabetical access to individuals and topics
to be found in the interviews.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 12-1
Series 12
Final Reports1969, 1985-1986
Physical Description:
70 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by date issued and then numerically by volume number.
Scope and Content Note
Final reports about the investigation prepared by Special Unit Senator. Three separate reports exist: a ten-volume, 1969 edition,
for in-house use only, covering all facets of the investigation (two copies present in the files plus a "printer's copy");
a ten-volume edition used by LAPD to indicate expurgated portions of the 1969 report (three copies present in the files --
one is a "clean", duplicate copy of the 1969 report, one shows "highlighted" areas suggested for redaction, and one shows
the "masked" portions of the report as the final stage in the redaction process); and a three-volume, 1986 redacted edition
released to the public (one copy present in the files). Page 736 of the 1969 report was not microfilmed due to statutory restrictions.
All three reports cover the same general areas and include the following: events surrounding the assassination itself; information
concerning Sirhan's activities and background; investigations of possible conspiracies; case preparation for trial; legal
processes; related events occurring after the assassination; conclusions; appendices, principally relating to crime reports,
physical evidence, coroner's autopsy, medical treatments, and interviews; an alphabetical index; and a supplemental report
that concerns investigative activities concluded after the 1969 report had been issued. There is no index to the 1986 edition.
For a more comprehensive description of the 1969 report's contents, see
Appendix B.
Microfilm Roll No. 6
Series 13
Investigative Field Notes1968
Physical Description:
4 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by interview number.
Scope and Content Note
Records prepared by case preparation team during investigation to determine progress of Special Unit Senator's (SUS) activities
and the relationship to Sirhan's impending trial. The field notes consist largely of rough, hand-written materials prepared
by investigators during interviews (see series #11). A chart is included which shows a time-line of SUS activities from the
time of shooting to trial date.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 6-7
Series 14
Letters1968-1972
Physical Description:
8 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged numerically.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence from general public to LAPD concerning possible leads in the investigation (e.g. girl in the polka dot dress);
nature of the investigation itself; threats directed at Sirhan, President Johnson, families of victims and witnesses, and
Sirhan's attorney, Russell Parsons; and numerous other facets involving the case.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 15
Medical Reports1968
Physical Description:
3 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged into three sub-series relating to Kennedy, other shooting victims, and Sirhan respectively. Each sub-series is arranged
numerically.
Scope and Content Note
Reports and interviews prepared by Special Unit Senator concerning the medical aspects of the investigation. Records include
crime reports, interviews with physicians or nurses, and medical treatment reports. In addition, Kennedy's file has copies
of the ambulance call record, Central Receiving Hospital ambulance call log, death certificate, and following investigation
concerning procedures at Central Receiving and Good Samaritan hospitals. Other records in Sirhan's file include psychiatric
test results, a proposal for a psychological study of Sirhan, interviews with physicians and officers assigned to Los Angeles
County Jail, Felony Section, and an FBI report of Sirhan's treatment and quarters at the jail.
Index included at beginning of each file.
Microfilm Roll No. 15
Series 16
News Media Files1968-1969
Physical Description:
18 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged into three sub-series: publications, arranged numerically by item number; newspaper clippings, arranged chronologically
by date of publication and then alphabetically by name of newspaper; and a transcript of an NBC interview of Sirhan conducted
on 5-23-1969.
Scope and Content Note
News items and publications collected by Special Unit Senator to develop leads for the investigation. Major subjects focus
on Kennedy's shooting and death, conspiracy theories, Sirhan and his trial, and Sirhan's family.
Series 17
Motion Picture Films1968
Physical Description:
14 films
Arrangement
Arranged into two sub-series: films concerned with events immediately prior to or after the shooting; other events associated
with the Kennedy campaign.
Scope and Content Note
Contains 16mm motion picture film collected or created by Special Unit Senator (SUS) for use during the investigation. SUS
created one composite film that covers the assassination and its aftermath and was developed using portions of other films
found in the series. Another item, now available only as a VHS videotape, is a reproduction of a 16mm film showing a reinactment
of the assassination, witnesses reviewing polka-dot dresses, and other segments produced by SUS. Researcher Greg Stone received
these tapes in 1987 from the LA County District Attorney's Office. Stone in turn gave them to Dr. Phil Melanson who transferred
them to the State Archives in September 1992. It is believed the original film has been lost or destroyed. The other films
were produced by television networks, local affiliates, and private organizations.
For public access and use, the films (except the reinactment film) were transferred to one videotape (VHS cassette format)
by the State Archives over a period ending on 1-22-1988.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 18
Phone Call Summaries1968
Physical Description:
1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by date and time of call.
Scope and Content Note
Summaries of telephone calls received by Rampart Detective Division, LAPD, 6-5/6-11-1968, relating to the Kennedy shooting.
Information includes date and time of call, who received call, identity, address, and telephone number of caller, and summary
of conversation.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 16-17
Series 19
Photographs1968-1969
Physical Description:
2,876 photographs, 1,189 negatives
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by item number. Photographs have been placed in albums and negatives are stored separately.
Scope and Content Note
Photographs taken by Special Unit Senator and LAPD during the course of their investigation and by amateur and professional
photographers who were present at the crime scene. Images depict key figures in the investigation; evidence, the crime scene
before, during, and after the assassination; investigative activities such as trajectory studies and walk-throughs of the
crime scene by officials; and Kennedy campaign activities. Two groups of photographs, "Case prep. notebook" (Q101-102) and
"Complete set of photos taken by the FBI" (Q85), offer a good overview of the investigation.
Copy negatives are available for all prints except photographs of documents which can be obtained from the microfilm. Access
to copy and original negatives is restricted. Reference prints for all negatives which were not previously printed by LAPD
are also available at the end of the series. These prints were not microfilmed.
Autopsy and post-operative photographs are restricted per California Code of Civil Procedure, section 129.
Index included at the beginning of each photograph album. A listing and description of photographs may be found in
Appendix F.
Series 20
Record and Background Check Files1968-1969
Physical Description:
33 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by worksheet number.
Scope and Content Note
Records prepared or received by Special Unit Senator (SUS) during the investigation to determine criminal background, if any,
of witnesses or individuals interviewed. Each individual was subject to a background check initiated by the following agencies:
Records and Identification Division (LAPD); Intelligence Division (LAPD); Bureau of Identification and Investigation (California
Dept. of Justice); and the FBI. Results were utilized to evaluate credibility of individuals and to determine their previous
involvement with militant or subversive groups.
Files contain worksheets which include subject's name, address, sex, race, hair and eye color, height and weight, SUS file
number, and birth date, action taken, and notice of record checks completed by which agency; and the background record itself,
including name of agency, name and aliases of subject, dates arrested or received, identification number, charges, and disposition.
Several numbers are missing.
Restricted per provisions of the California Penal Code, sections 11105, 11140, and 11143.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 21
Progress Reports1968-1969
Physical Description:
3 file folders.
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by report number.
Scope and Content Note
Reports prepared by Special Unit Senator (SUS) on the status of various aspects of the investigation. Reports were developed
by the following SUS sub-units: case preparation team; background/conspiracy team; record section; and San Gabriel Valley
Gun Club team. Reports include name of reporting sub-unit, date of report, subject, to whom addressed, narrative summary of
activities, period covered by report, and name(s) of reporting officer(s). Of special interest is the last report regarding
dissemination of information to the public.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 18
Series 22
Transcripts1968-1969
Physical Description:
73 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by transcript number.
Scope and Content Note
Transcripts of recorded interviews prepared by LAPD. Only a small fraction of the interviews were transcribed. Principally,
the transcripts focus on witnesses and victims at the Ambassador Hotel, Sirhan, and his family, and people that saw Sirhan
prior to 6-5-1968.
Transcript #46 is a reporter's transcript of the Los Angeles County Grand Jury proceedings of 6-7-1968,
The People of the State of California vs. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (Case No. A233421). For related information, see series #29, Reporter's Daily Transcripts.
Transcript #71 is restricted as it contains FBI information relating to Sirhan's interviews.
See
Appendix D for an alphabetical index to transcripts.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 23
Tape Summaries1968
Physical Description:
2 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by name of interviewee and numerically by summary number.
Scope and Content Note
Summaries of taped interviews prepared during the investigation. Only a portion of the interviews were recorded and only a
small fraction of the recorded tapes were transcribed (see series #22, Transcripts). All the summaries also appear in series
#11, Interviews, arranged by interview number. The summaries include interviewee's name, sex, race, hair and eye color, height
and weight, birth date, residence and business address, home and business phone numbers, narrative summary of interview, file
and tape numbers, date and time of interview, and name of interviewer. Some summaries do not have an assigned number.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 24
Vehicle Reports1968
Physical Description:
1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by report number.
Scope and Content Note
Contains records relating to automobiles owned by Sirhan and Robert Gindroz. File includes reports, vehicle impound notice
and inventory, car registrations, investigation of Sirhan's driving record, and list of license numbers recorded by LAPD at
Ambassador Hotel on 6-5-1968.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 7
Series 25
Legal Files1968-1969
Physical Description:
2 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by document number.
Scope and Content Note
Records relating to legal proceedings involved in Sirhan's trial. Included are: FBI reports of legal action and discussion
between Jordanian officials and U.S. State Dept. regarding assistance for Sirhan from Jordan; progress reports from lawyers
and the court about the case; Sheriff's custody file; Sirhan's visitor list; list of reports given to the defense; list of
chief prosecution witnesses; court summaries of trial proceedings; opening statements by prosecution and defense attorneys;
and a court order limiting publicity.
Index included at beginning of series.
Microfilm Roll No. 19
Series 26
Case Preparation Files 1968-1969
Physical Description:
8 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged topically by type of record.
Scope and Content Note
Files compiled by Special Unit Senator's case preparation team to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of Sirhan.
Team duties consisted of interviewing potential witnesses, evaluating and preserving evidence, and investigating matters as
directed by legal staff. The files include: interview reports; and related documentation, including crime, death, and arrest
reports, autopsy summary, physical mock-ups of crime scene, LAPD logs and teletypes, case progress reports, information relating
to ballistics, handwriting, fingerprints, and San Gabriel Valley Gun Club.
Various indices may be found throughout the series.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 19-20
Series 27
Conspiracy Investigation Files1968-1969
Physical Description:
36 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged topically by investigation.
Scope and Content Note
Records of separate investigations conducted by Special Unit Senator to examine possible conspiracy leads. Investigation topics
include: Sandra Serrano and the polka dot dress; Cathy Sue Fulmer; The Fez restaurant; Khaibar Khan; Theodore Charach; John
Fahey; Fernando Faura; Jonn Christian; Antoine Fouad Khoury; Jerry Owen; Walter Crowe, Jr.; Jose Duarte; John Khoury; Golden
Garter Inn; Michael Vejvoda; San Gabriel Valley Gun Club; Michael Wayne and Keith Gilbert; Ahmed Rageh Namer; and Michael
McGowan and David Kassab. Files consist mainly of police and FBI interviews, evidence reports, progress reports, and correspondence.
An index may be found at the beginning of each topic.
FBI interviews are restricted.
Microfilm Roll No. 20
Series 28
Sirhan Family Files1968-1969
Physical Description:
25 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged topically by subject or family member.
Scope and Content Note
Contains information relating to various aspects of Sirhan and his family's life. Records on Sirhan concern his early years
in Jerusalem, education, employment, financial status, medical history, criminal background, social, religious, and political
activities, and philosophical leanings. Information was also gathered about his father, Bishara; his mother, Mary; deceased
sister, Aida; and brothers, Sharif, Saidallah, Adel, and Munir. Included in the files are police and FBI interviews and reports,
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service records, school records, correspondence, and newspaper clippings.
An index may be found at the beginning of each subject.
Contains some FBI records which are restricted.
Microfilm Roll No. 21
Series 29
Reporter's Daily Transcripts1968-1969
Physical Description:
29 volumes
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by volume number.
Scope and Content Note
Court transcripts prepared during the trial of Sirhan -- Los Angeles County Superior Court No. A233421,
The People of the State of California vs. Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. The transcripts cover testimony taken in the trail from December 18, 1968 through February 4, 1969.
For a complete record of the case file, contact the Clerk of the Superior Court, Los Angeles County.
Series 30
Tape Recorded Interviews1968-1969
Physical Description:
193 items
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by tape number.
Scope and Content Note
Consists of reel-to-reel and cassette tape recordings of selected interviews. Only a handful of interviews were tape recorded.
For related information, see series #11, Interviews; #22, Transcripts; and #23, Tape Summaries.
The audio tapes have been reproduced in cassette format by the State Archives. A summary and index to all audio tapes (except
the Wolfer Board tapes) may be found in
Appendix E.
Series 31
Stenotype Notes1968-1969
Physical Description:
22 bundles
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by surname.
Scope and Content Note
Shorthand notes prepared from a stenotype machine as an intermediate step in developing a transcript from a tape recorded
interview. Notes are not available for all transcripts (see series #22, Transcripts). Several sets of notes were not transcribed,
including Virginia Teresi (tape #29244), Evan Freed (tape #29241), George Erhard, Jr. (tape #29260), and Frank Mankiewicz
(tape #29203).
Series 32
Magnetic Tapes1968
Physical Description:
5 reels
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Recorded telephone and radio logs of LAPD for the dates 5-15-1968 and 6-4/6-5-1968. The tapes cover all telephone and radio
messages. Some information relating to the Kennedy assassination or campaign was extracted by LAPD and created as evidence
item #116 (see series #7, Evidence Files and #33, Physical Evidence).
Because the Archives does not have the specialized equipment necessary to playback the magnetic tapes, access is currently
unavailable.
Series 33
Physical Evidence1968
Physical Description:
73 items
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by item number.
Scope and Content Note
Physical evidence collected by Special Unit Senator (SUS) during the investigation.
Items #55, 116, and 143 (all reel-to-reel audio tapes) were transferred to two cassette audio tapes by the State Archives
on February 9 and 11, 1988 to improve access. The first cassette tape contains an interview with Jerry Owen conducted by Jonn
Christian. The second cassette tape consists of three items in the following order: a tape recording by Andy West of Kennedy's
speech and shooting on 6-5-1968; an LAPD composite tape of radio and telephone calls on 6-5-1968; and a KHJ radio interview
with Harold Weisberg on 6-19-1968.
See
Appendix A for a complete list of all physical evidence.
Records Relating To Re-Investigations of The Kennedy Assassination
Scope and Content Note
Following Sirhan's trial, numerous questions were raised by various organizations and individuals concerning LAPD's investigation
of the Kennedy assassination. In response to such questions and other requests, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors,
the Los Angeles Superior Court, and LAPD initiated a series of re-investigations into the case. These
investigations, conducted during the period 1974-1978, primarily focused on ballistic and bullet trajectory studies.
These records were received by LAPD and stored with the Special Unit Senator records until their transfer to the State Archives
in August 1987.
Microfilm Roll No. 22
Series 35
Re-investigative Files1974-1978
Physical Description:
22 file folders, 6 videotapes, 3 audio tapes
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by date of investigation.
Scope and Content Note
Records relating to re-investigations of the Kennedy assassination. The following materials are included:
A 1974 hearing of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors relating to Herbert MacDonell's contention that not all bullets
recovered at the crime scene came from one gun. Included are memoranda and correspondence about jurisdiction in the matter,
transcript of a Supervisor's meeting, diagrams of bullet trajectories, correspondence with the FBI, and District Attorney
Busch's comments regarding the hearing;
A 1974 Los Angeles County Superior Court investigation into the storage of evidence by the Clerk of the Court;
A 1974 inquiry by Allard Lowenstein concerning a "second gun" theory;
A 1975 request from Paul Schrade to LAPD regarding a personal injury suit he wished to file against Sirhan;
A 1975 series of articles by Ralph Blumenfield that appeared in the
New York Post;
A 1975 investigation of the bullets ordered by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Includes reports and worksheets filed
by seven LAPD firearms examiners;
A 1975 LAPD investigation of the trajectory issue involving the removal of wood facings and related materials from the pantry
area of the Ambassador Hotel. Included are a search warrant, lists of items removed from the hotel, evidence reports, field
notes, photographs, interviews, and videotapes. The investigation was based on statements attributed to two LAPD officers
and hotel staff who observed apparent or actual bullet holes at the crime scene. Note: the six U-matic videotapes were transferred
by the State Archives to six VHS videotapes on February 10, 1988;
1975-1977 correspondence with Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, and Los Angeles
City Attorney's office regarding public access to the final report;
An October 1975 LAPD tape recording of an interview with Don Schulman concerning statements attributed to him;
A 1976 statement by LAPD in response to Art Kevin's 6-7-1976 editorial, "RFK Report", for KMC News;
A 1976 inquiry to LAPD from Valley Publications, Inc. concerning access to assassination records;
A 1977 report by Special Counsel Thomas Kranz on the assassination investigation. Kranz was appointed by the Los Angeles County
Board of Supervisors to conduct an independent investigation;
A June 1977 allegation, on audio tape, by Betty Mishell that her ex-husband Beryle Mick, an LAPD officer, was involved in
Kennedy's assassination;
A 1977-1978 inquiry into the storage of the model of the Ambassador Hotel pantry;
A 1978 investigation by the U.S. House of Representatives, Select Committee on Assassinations;
An 11-21-1978 interview of Allen Globerson;
Miscellaneous court documents relating to inspection of court exhibits; and
An audio tape of a 12-19-1975 interview of Wesley Harrington.
Exhibits From Sirhan's Trial, Case No. A233421
Series 36
Trial Exhibits1968-1969, 1975
Physical Description:
152 file folders, 655 photographs, 67 items
Arrangement
Arranged by category (e.g. Grand Jury, Trial, Special Hearing), then by litigant (People or Defense), and then numerically
or alphabetically by exhibit designation.
Scope and Content Note
Physical evidence collected by Special Unit Senator during the investigation and later used as exhibits during the Grand Jury
and Superior Court proceedings against Sirhan (No. A233421). Also included are items of evidence not used as exhibits and
materials used during the Special Hearing undertaken by Los Angeles County authorities in 1975.
The exhibits include a wide range of materials: Sirhan's gun; crime scene evidence such as .22 cartridges; bullet fragments
taken from victims; Sirhan's wallet and car keys; newspapers; books and notebooks found in Sirhan's room; psychiatric tests
given to Sirhan; audio tapes of interviews with Sirhan; ballistic studies; recording tapes from Sirhan's trial; Sirhan's clothing;
a wooden mock-up of the Embassy ballroom and foyer at the Ambassador Hotel; and a wide variety of photographs.
Physical evidence not used in court proceedings may also be found in series #33 (Physical Evidence). Many of the photographs
used as exhibits were originally part of series #19 (Photographs) -- see Appendix F for missing "Q" numbers.
For a listing and description of exhibits, see
Appendix H.
All autopsy photographs are restricted by provisions of the California Code of Civil Procedure, section 129.
Records of The Wolfer Board of Inquiry
Scope and Content Note
In 1971, LAPD Chief of Police E.M. Davis appointed a board of inquiry to investigate allegations made against officer DeWayne
Wolfer who was being considered for the chief forensic chemist position within the department. In the course of the investigation,
the board examined three cases in which Wolfer had been involved, including the Kennedy assassination. Wolfer had been a witness
at Sirhan's trial and had conducted the primary ballistic and bullet trajectory studies related to the case. The board focused
on an examination into the techniques and procedures used by Wolfer, transcripts and evidence from the cases, and statements
of outside authorities.
Although only a portion of these records relate directly to the Kennedy assassination, they were stored by LAPD with the Special
Unit Senator materials until their transfer to the State Archives in August 1987.
Microfilm Roll Nos. 23-24
Series 37
Wolfer Board Files1969, 1971, 1974
Physical Description:
32 file folders, 5 audio tapes, 9 photographs
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by addendum which corresponds to the case under investigation: Doyle Terry, one file folder; Jack
Kirschke, 12 file folders; and Sirhan Sirhan, 19 file folders.
Scope and Content Note
Records relating to an investigation of allegations against LAPD forensic expert, DeWayne Wolfer. Much of the information
centers on presentations of technical ballistics procedures used by Wolfer in the three cases and whether his actions
conformed to acceptable forensic principles. Types of materials include court transcripts and briefs, letters, memoranda,
declarations, affidavits, newspaper clippings, job announcements, exhibit and property lists, reports, and publications. The
audio tapes, summarized below, include interviews with Jack Merritt, Thomas Noguchi, Don Schulman, and Baxter Ward(2). The
following photographs, all prints, are available: two of Barbara Blehr, the attorney who initiated the investigation; four
of Sirhan's gun; one of the pantry mock-up; and two of the bullet trajectory study in the pantry area. Almost all of the materials
date from 1971.
A table of contents is included at the beginning of each addendum which serves as an index to records included in the file.
Some records within the Wolfer Board files are not open for research. Included in this group are records originating with
the FBI; criminal rap sheets; school records containing information about individual students; records containing information
about the arrest or conviction of juveniles; and information not related to the Sirhan case which is entirely of a personal
nature or not germane to the Kennedy assassination.
Summary of Wolfer Audio Tapes
Jack Merritt: July 26, 1971
Scope and Content Note
Security guard, Ace Guard Service. Describes entering pantry, drawing gun upon hearing RFK had been shot. Saw a woman and
two men exiting pantry. Woman said either, "We got him." or "He got him.". Woman appeared happy, waving signs and displaying
a victory sign. Other guards were in pantry, but did not draw their guns to his knowledge. Merritt believes there was a conspiracy.
Dr. Thomas Noguchi: July 28, 1971
Scope and Content Note
LA County Coroner. Noguchi describes RFK's wounds and concludes that muzzle distance of gun likely one inch from RFK's right
ear. Says assailant was not face to face.
Donald Schulman: July 23, 1971
Scope and Content Note
KNXT News employee. He describes assisting television camera crew and being in pantry at time of shooting. Says he saw a security
guard pull his gun. Not absolutely sure the guard fired the gun. Investigators suggest Schulman did not see what he thought
he saw.
Baxter Ward: July 28, 1971
Scope and Content Note
Broadcast of television or radio program where Ward is questioning why LAPD used a second gun for test firing while they had
access to Sirhan's gun and why LAPD denied having access to the actual gun.
Baxter Ward: July 28-29, 1971
Part I:
Scope and Content Note
Ward describes discrepancy between marking on bullet envelope by Coroner Noguchi and DeWayne Wolfer's comments on the number
of grooves on test bullet. Noguchi wrote "five grooves" and said Wolfer checked bullets. Wolfer later said "six grooves".
Part II:
Scope and Content Note
Duplicate of July 28, 1971 tape described above.
Part III:
Scope and Content Note
Ted Charach responding to Wolfer's attorney who charged there was a conspiracy against Wolfer. Charach among those charging
that Wolfer had concealed evidence. Charach wants Wolfer to explain why the test bullets didn't match bullets taken from RFK
and shooting victim William Weisel.