◆ SpookStack

( a € C While Sirhan .was being held in the pantry awaiting the arrival of the L.A.P.D., Rafer Johnson asked Sirhan repeatedly, "Why did you do it?" Sirhan repiied, "Let me explain" or “I can explain." At this time Sirhan also remarked in answer to Jess Unruh's question "Why him?", "I did it for my country," and a few seconds later, "It is too late". ; Two L.A.P.D. officers on patrol duty, Arthur Placentia and Travis White, answered the 12:20 a.m. all units call, “Ambassador shooting, 3400 Wilshire", and when the officers arrived they took Sirhan off the serving table where he had been restrained and Placed him in custody and handcuffed him. Sirhan was transported through a hostile crowd, which was chanting "Kill him, kill him" to the officers' police car. Jess Unruh also entered the vehicle and the officers drove toward Rampart station. Officer Placentia several times asked Sirhan his name, but Sirhan did not reply. Sirhan was advised of his constitutional rights, and Sirhan replied that he understood his rights. Although the officers did not address any further questions to Sirhan during the trip to the station, Unruh asked Sirhan, "Why did you shoot him?", and Sirhan replied, "Do you think I'm crazy, so you can use it in evidence against me." Both upon arrest, and later at the Rampart station, L.A.P.D. officers attempted to examine Sirhan'ts eyes, but did not form an opinion whether Sirhan was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He did not smell of any odor of aicohol nor did Sirhan appear to Mr. Unruh to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor. At the Rampart station, Sirhan's eyes were subjected to a light test, and on the basis of that test, as weil as Sirhan's appearance and movements, Officer White formed the opinion that Sirhan was not under the influence of aicohol or drugs. Sirhan's pockets were emptied and the following items were taken from his possession: an automobiie key, two live .22 caliber bullets and an expended bullet, two newspaper cliprings (one from the Pasadena Independent Star News dated May 26, i968, a story by columnist David Lawrence which in part noted that in a recent speech Senator Kennedy had “favored aid to Isreal with arms if necessary."; the other newspaper clipping, an advertisement from an unidentified newspaper inviting the public "to come and see and hear Senator Robert Kennedy on Sunday, June 2, 1968, at 8:00 p.m., Coconut Grove, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles"). Also removed from Sirhan's peckets was $410.66 in cash, including four one hundred dollar bills. No wallet, identification, or information indicating Sirhan's identity was obtained from the examination of Sirhan's person. Sergeant William Jordon, who was watch commander at Rampart detectives that night, assumed custody over petitioner around 12:45 a.m., and asked Sirhan his name. Receiving no response, the officer informed Sirhan of his constitutional rights.. Sirhan asked some questions about his rights and requested the admonition be repeated which was done. Sirhan indicated that he wished to remain silent. - 6 «- wae