Unlocking the Secrets of RFK’s Assassination: The Importance of the Autopsy Photos in the National Archives

The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) is one of the most controversial and intriguing events in American history. RFK, younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, was a charismatic politician and lawyer who was running for president in 1968 when he was assassinated in Los Angeles. The case has been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories for decades, with many questions remaining unanswered.

However, in recent years, new information has come to light that sheds light on the assassination and may help untangle some of the mysteries surrounding it. One of the most important pieces of evidence is the collection of autopsy photos that are held in the National Archives. These photos have been examined and analyzed by forensic experts, and they offer new insights into the assassination and the events that took place on that fateful night.

In this article, we will explore the importance of the autopsy photos in understanding the RFK assassination and the new information that has been gleaned from them.

The Events of June 5, 1968

To understand the importance of the autopsy photos, it is necessary to review the events that took place on June 5, 1968. Robert F. Kennedy had just won the Democratic primaries in California and South Dakota, putting him in a strong position to win the party’s nomination for president. After delivering a victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy was walking through the hotel’s kitchen when he was shot at close range by Sirhan Sirhan, a Jordanian immigrant.

The shooting happened around 12:15 a.m. on June 6, 1968. Kennedy was rushed to the hospital but died 26 hours later, on June 7, from his injuries. Sirhan was apprehended at the scene of the shooting and later convicted of murder.

The autopsy was conducted on June 6, 1968, the day after the shooting. The official report indicated that RFK had died from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

The Autopsy Photos

Following the autopsy, a series of photos were taken that documented the injuries sustained by RFK. These photos were not released to the public at the time and were only made available decades later, after a lawsuit brought by historian Philip Melanson.

The photos show the extent of the damage caused by the three bullets that struck RFK. They include images of the entrance wounds, as well as the exit wounds, where the bullets exited the body. The photos also show the locations of the wounds, which provide important information about the direction and trajectory of the bullets.

Analyzing the Autopsy Photos

In recent years, forensic experts have begun to analyze the autopsy photos in greater detail, using modern technology to examine the injuries sustained by RFK. These experts have identified a number of key findings that shed new light on the assassination and challenge some of the prevailing theories about what happened that night.

First, experts have determined that all three bullets were fired from the same gun, which was held by Sirhan Sirhan. This confirms the theory that Sirhan was the sole shooter and dispels the idea that there was a second gunman involved.

Second, the experts have analyzed the trajectory of the bullets and determined that they were fired from a downward angle. This suggests that Sirhan was standing above RFK when he fired the shots, which contradicts earlier theories that Sirhan had fired from a position in front of or to the side of RFK.

Third, the experts have identified the specific bullet that caused RFK’s fatal injuries. This bullet struck RFK in the back of the head and caused severe damage to the brainstem, which controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. While this bullet was not identified in the initial autopsy report, it has now been revealed as the cause of RFK’s death.

Implications of the Autopsy Photos

The new information gleaned from the autopsy photos has important implications for our understanding of the RFK assassination. First, it confirms that Sirhan Sirhan was the sole shooter and dispels the theories of a second gunman.

Second, it sheds new light on the location and trajectory of the shots, showing that they were fired from above and contradicting earlier theories about the direction of the shots.

Finally, it provides important information about the specific bullet that caused RFK’s death, which was not identified in the initial autopsy report. This information has significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the assassination and may help to finally put to rest some of the many conspiracy theories that have surrounded the case for decades.

Conclusion

The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy remains one of the most controversial and mysterious events in American history. However, new evidence and analysis of the autopsy photos have provided important insights into the shooting and may help to answer some of the lingering questions about what happened that night.

By confirming Sirhan Sirhan as the sole gunman, providing new information about the location and trajectory of the shots, and determining the specific bullet that caused RFK’s death, the autopsy photos have shed new light on the case and are an important tool in continuing to investigate and understand this tragic event.