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-'1:-H-~ s.-I;-~ -» - _:¢- if __ K,» D A further test advocated by Bradford dealt with powder residue composition analysis by gas chromatography. This ballistics examination would utilize a new methodology recently developed by the Aerospace Corporation of El Segundo. Bradford felt this method would demonstrate the differences in composition of a single burned particle of ammunition powder. Specifically, if particles of powder could be removed from the Robert Kennedy coat, from the autopsy specimens and from fired cartridge cases from the Sirhan gun, the method of analysis could then determine whether all three powder residue sources were consistent with each other and whether or not there was any significant differences which would indicate the presence of a second gun. _ In his final request for the test firing of the Sirhan weapon, at the conclusion of his declaration, Bradford admitted, "That it is a wellknown fact among firearms examiners, and a fact of my own experience, that a S1811 percentage of .22 caliber guns have the capability of producing successively fired test bullets that identify with each other on a basis of microscopic characteristics of individuality. Failure of test bullets to identify with evidence bullets is so prevalent with .22 caliber guns that microscopic identification are expected in less than 20% of the cases examined." Bradford was merely stating obvious facts that would be readily revealed when the seven ballistics experts conducted their own independent examination and testing in September and October of 1975. Hearings before Judge Wenke, August 1975 The re-testing of the Sirhan weapon, and the re-examination of all bullet evidence, were ordered by Presiding Judge Wenke in September. 1975. Although the court order was related to the petitions of Paul Schrade, and CBS, several parties and counsel were before the court in this unique proceeding. Additionally, Judge Wenke instructed all counsel to formulate an examination and test procedure, and submit such test for the court's approval. Judge Wenke was, in effect, requesting counsel to negotiate the ground rules and parameters for the forthcoming ballistics examination. , -1.15...