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Who Killed Bobby?: The Unsolved Murder of Robert F. Kennedy
On June 5th, 1968, at L.A.’'s Ambassador Hotel, Robert F. Kennedy celebrated his victory in the California Democratic primary with a rousing victory speech anticipating a successful run for the presidency. Moments later, gunshots shattered that like his brother before him, Bobby Kennedy lay mortally wounded at the hand of an assassin. The police quickly apprehended Sirhan Sirhan, who the world believed had single-handedly masterminded the shooting. Shockingly, that may not be so, as documentary filmmaker Shane O’'Sullivan presents powerful new evidence to the contrary. In Who Killed Bobby? O’'Sullivan makes a stunning case that will fundamentally alter the way the public views Bobby Kennedy’s death. Based on research he undertook for a documentary that will debut this year, O’'Sullivan poses such key questions The recent release of the film Bobby , the 40th anniversary of the shooting, and O’'Sullivan’s upcoming documentary have created renewed interest in the subject, and readers who accepted the conventional wisdom will have their beliefs shaken.
551 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2008
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441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2015
I finished reading this book on what would have been John Lennon's birthday. Some years back I sat in a restaurant with Sirhan's lawyer, Lawrence Teeter. Larry did not divulge any lawyer/client information on the case, but listened while I spoke of my thoughts on the similarities of Lennon's and Bobby Kennedy's killings. I advised Teeter to catch up on the book on Lennon's assassination written by Fenton Bresler, which he was not aware of. He interrupted his meal, took out his note book and wrote down the details of this book. Sadly, Larry passed away shortly after. It was nice to see Shane O'Sullivan dedicate his book to the memory of Larry Teeter and Philip Melanson. As to the review of this book I thought it was a whisker away from five stars.
Having previously read the books by Robert Morrow, Dan Moldea, Philip Melanson, William Turner and Jonn Christian I rate 'Who Killed Bobby?' to be a superb 21st century update on this 1968 murder case. Shane O'Sullivan comes through as a dedicated, thorough, impartial and logical investigator. His coverage of the evidence in this murder mystery, the performance of the LAPD and Sirhan's own defence team at trial should make compelling reading for anyone wishing to learn of the bizarre nature of the events at the Ambassador Hotel as well as the developments in the intervening years.
Perhaps the later few chapters, chasing shadows of CIA agents at the scene may stretch credibility, but to the author's credit, he remains impartial and follows the weight of evidence.
The Notes, while adequate, should have been embedded in the text. The Bibliography is extensive.
Prosecuting the trial for the Los Angeles D.A. office was none other than Lynn Compton, a member of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, documented by Stephen E. Ambrose in his book and tv series 'Band of Brothers'.
Did this event kill the spirit of the 1960's, which his brother John introduced with his 'new frontier'? If so, it did not end in a whimper, nor with a bang. In fact too many bangs that could have come from Sirhan's eight shot Iver Johnson and wounds found at Noguchi's autopsy that were physically impossible for Sirhan to inflict.
Having previously read the books by Robert Morrow, Dan Moldea, Philip Melanson, William Turner and Jonn Christian I rate 'Who Killed Bobby?' to be a superb 21st century update on this 1968 murder case. Shane O'Sullivan comes through as a dedicated, thorough, impartial and logical investigator. His coverage of the evidence in this murder mystery, the performance of the LAPD and Sirhan's own defence team at trial should make compelling reading for anyone wishing to learn of the bizarre nature of the events at the Ambassador Hotel as well as the developments in the intervening years.
Perhaps the later few chapters, chasing shadows of CIA agents at the scene may stretch credibility, but to the author's credit, he remains impartial and follows the weight of evidence.
The Notes, while adequate, should have been embedded in the text. The Bibliography is extensive.
Prosecuting the trial for the Los Angeles D.A. office was none other than Lynn Compton, a member of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, documented by Stephen E. Ambrose in his book and tv series 'Band of Brothers'.
Did this event kill the spirit of the 1960's, which his brother John introduced with his 'new frontier'? If so, it did not end in a whimper, nor with a bang. In fact too many bangs that could have come from Sirhan's eight shot Iver Johnson and wounds found at Noguchi's autopsy that were physically impossible for Sirhan to inflict.
November 1, 2014
Admittedly I tend to read non-fiction, and political history is my preference. But there is also a part of me that seeks the truth, which is why I was drawn to the JFK assassination - and read several books about the details in Dallas last year on the 50th anniversary of his death. I had never considered Bobby's assassination as a conspiracy before, so was never drawn to it in the same way that his brother, John's, death seemed to call out for justice. Not until I heard about this book.
The author presents the compelling case that there was a second gunman that night in the pantry of the Ambassador Hotel. I had never heard of any of the many strange facts surrounding RFK's death - "the girl in the polka dot dress" for example. Or how Sirhan Sirhan exhibited strong evidence of having been hypnotized and controlled that evening. The angle and proximity of the fatal shot compared to where Sirhan was. The audio evidence of more than eight shots fired.
I won't get into the other factors the author presents - he is a British subject and had, like me, never been aware of these threads until he started teasing out research for a different project, and was compelled to keep pulling on the threads to see where they would lead. It is an utterly fascinating tale, and deeply disturbing (the last three chapters as he goes deeper into researching who some of the peripheral people are in the ballroom that night).
I couldn't put the book down - and I am thoroughly convinced of a conspiracy and a cover-up by the LAPD (not surprisingly). I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about this disturbing chapter in the long history of political violence in the USA.
The author presents the compelling case that there was a second gunman that night in the pantry of the Ambassador Hotel. I had never heard of any of the many strange facts surrounding RFK's death - "the girl in the polka dot dress" for example. Or how Sirhan Sirhan exhibited strong evidence of having been hypnotized and controlled that evening. The angle and proximity of the fatal shot compared to where Sirhan was. The audio evidence of more than eight shots fired.
I won't get into the other factors the author presents - he is a British subject and had, like me, never been aware of these threads until he started teasing out research for a different project, and was compelled to keep pulling on the threads to see where they would lead. It is an utterly fascinating tale, and deeply disturbing (the last three chapters as he goes deeper into researching who some of the peripheral people are in the ballroom that night).
I couldn't put the book down - and I am thoroughly convinced of a conspiracy and a cover-up by the LAPD (not surprisingly). I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about this disturbing chapter in the long history of political violence in the USA.
May 4, 2019
Update (05/04/19):
After re-reading this for about the second time (including the new epilogue), I can still confidently state this is the most objective book about the case. Some of the author's biases and conventional thinking and turns of phrase are more apparent now, but his case for injustice, corruption, and a second gunman firing the fatal shot(s) is strong (even if some of his speculations are questionable). For what it's worth, shooting victim Paul Schrade (who was unquestionably shot by Sirhan) and at least two of Kennedy's children agree with him.
This is the most objective book I've read on this confounding crime. The author also directed a documentary titled "R.F.K. Must Die" that is also recommended (though not as deep and thorough as a book). It is current to about 2008. I doubt this case will ever be solved in a pragmatist culture. Future historians will take note of the official investigation and media coverage no matter what they think of the crime.
After re-reading this for about the second time (including the new epilogue), I can still confidently state this is the most objective book about the case. Some of the author's biases and conventional thinking and turns of phrase are more apparent now, but his case for injustice, corruption, and a second gunman firing the fatal shot(s) is strong (even if some of his speculations are questionable). For what it's worth, shooting victim Paul Schrade (who was unquestionably shot by Sirhan) and at least two of Kennedy's children agree with him.
This is the most objective book I've read on this confounding crime. The author also directed a documentary titled "R.F.K. Must Die" that is also recommended (though not as deep and thorough as a book). It is current to about 2008. I doubt this case will ever be solved in a pragmatist culture. Future historians will take note of the official investigation and media coverage no matter what they think of the crime.
January 6, 2024
There is a reason the Sinatra led Manchurian Candidate movie was banned for a number of years. Mind control was a CIA thing.
Why was Jolly West in Jack Ruby's cell?
Check out Poisoner in Chief, I had to put that one down for awhile. Had gone to it straight from Devils Chessboard about once CIA Chief Allen Dulles, probably the biggest coverup artist on the Warren Commission. This, despite JFK having fired him 2 years prior. Ike warned us, and he had guys like Allen Dulles in mind.
I am aware of the recent Mark Groubert Ollie Stone attempt to free Sirhan.
Why was Jolly West in Jack Ruby's cell?
Check out Poisoner in Chief, I had to put that one down for awhile. Had gone to it straight from Devils Chessboard about once CIA Chief Allen Dulles, probably the biggest coverup artist on the Warren Commission. This, despite JFK having fired him 2 years prior. Ike warned us, and he had guys like Allen Dulles in mind.
I am aware of the recent Mark Groubert Ollie Stone attempt to free Sirhan.
July 1, 2020
It was interesting, compelling read
The Kennedy assassination attempt by Sirhan Sirhan mixed facts about his life in Jordan and California up until the inexplicable shooting of Bobby Kennedy. This book gives compelling evidence of a second shooter. Well throughout. Will satisfy conspiracy theories because they are brought up as well.
The Kennedy assassination attempt by Sirhan Sirhan mixed facts about his life in Jordan and California up until the inexplicable shooting of Bobby Kennedy. This book gives compelling evidence of a second shooter. Well throughout. Will satisfy conspiracy theories because they are brought up as well.
October 19, 2021
Very in depth
The author gave the read not only an in depth view of the case of Sirhan, but also an in depth look at Sirhan. A very compelling book. Heavily sourced and about as complete of and overall look at the subject and particulars of the case and subsequent parole attempt. A great deal of thought and work went into this work. Excellent.
The author gave the read not only an in depth view of the case of Sirhan, but also an in depth look at Sirhan. A very compelling book. Heavily sourced and about as complete of and overall look at the subject and particulars of the case and subsequent parole attempt. A great deal of thought and work went into this work. Excellent.
March 26, 2017
**#39 of 120 books pledged to read/review in 2017**
May 5, 2024
Loved this book so much. It’s very mysterious and ominous. Everyone should read it
August 10, 2024
Many people think RFK must die is the top of the mountain of RFK books, but this is hands-down the best book written on RFK’s assassination. It opens many windows doors and eyes is a must read. if you’re an MK control fan too there’s a lot of that craziness in it. That is when they go into the forensic and the autopsy. It’s because the same person that gave RFK as autopsy is the same people that did the autopsy on the Manson murders. do yourself a favor and educate yourself and read this book.
September 2, 2014
Who Killed Bobby? I found this book very intriguing and left with questions just like I did with his brother's assassination in Dallas. Was it a hit from the MOB or was someone hired to assassinate him like the CIA. In June 5, 1968 after a jubilant speech of winning the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Instead of heading for another speech he was in the last moment to go through the kitchen where assassin Sirhan Sirhan supposedly mortally wounded Kennedy.
Five other bystanders were wounded. Kennedy's security detail pounced on Sirhan Sirhan who had a gun and was arrested. It seemed like an open and shut case but many lingering questions left the reader with ideas of conspiracy. Was it the MOB? possibly a security guard that supposedly accidental fired his weapon. But was Sirhan Sirhan really the lone gunman? What about the girl in the polka dotted dress that went down the fire escape? Why wasn't she found? Why was evidence destroyed that did proved that more than 5 or 6 shots were fired and 8 shots were found in the door jamb and ceiling.
The investigation into the death of Robert Kennedy by the police was inept and sloppy. So many factors were overlooked. Was it set up before hand to have Kennedy go through the kitchen for the assassination? Why didn't Kennedy go to his other conference was it scheduling problems?
The author brings researched information to light about the assassination but also we are left with doubts and sadness of what could of been a great leader. It leaves you wondering why did both Kennedy brothers meet assassination in the same decade by supposedly a lone gunman.
This is a great read and O'Sullivan brings some good points to the reader to ponder and possibly come up with their own conclusion is it conspiracy or bad luck?
Five other bystanders were wounded. Kennedy's security detail pounced on Sirhan Sirhan who had a gun and was arrested. It seemed like an open and shut case but many lingering questions left the reader with ideas of conspiracy. Was it the MOB? possibly a security guard that supposedly accidental fired his weapon. But was Sirhan Sirhan really the lone gunman? What about the girl in the polka dotted dress that went down the fire escape? Why wasn't she found? Why was evidence destroyed that did proved that more than 5 or 6 shots were fired and 8 shots were found in the door jamb and ceiling.
The investigation into the death of Robert Kennedy by the police was inept and sloppy. So many factors were overlooked. Was it set up before hand to have Kennedy go through the kitchen for the assassination? Why didn't Kennedy go to his other conference was it scheduling problems?
The author brings researched information to light about the assassination but also we are left with doubts and sadness of what could of been a great leader. It leaves you wondering why did both Kennedy brothers meet assassination in the same decade by supposedly a lone gunman.
This is a great read and O'Sullivan brings some good points to the reader to ponder and possibly come up with their own conclusion is it conspiracy or bad luck?
October 29, 2022
5th June 1968 saw the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. His death came just four and a half years after his brother, John F. Kennedy's murder in 1963 and both cases are still the focus of conspiracy theories. Was there a second gunman? Were there other people involved who were at the hotel that night? Why did the accused assassin Sirhan Sirhan claim to not remember the actual killing? Why has re-investigation of the case been stonewalled so many times?
I'm an avid reader of anything Kennedy related, but to be honest, I've always found Robert Kennedy a more interesting character than his brother, John. I found this book to be exhaustively researched, there was so much information packed into the chapters and some bits were rather dry to read but such is the nature of true crime investigations. I found myself agreeing that the main theories in the book were maybe a little out there, but plausible.
According to the author's research, Sirhan's behaviour before and after 5th June 1968 was strange to say the least. O'Sullivan argues persuasively that there is psychological evidence that Sirhan could have been a 'Manchurian candidate' - programmed to kill but not remember what he had done. This theory alongside the one that Sirhan was a 'patsy' and used to draw attention away from a second gunman, to me is given credence by the sheer effort that some went to to confuse, intimidate, & discredit witnesses. I could only read it in small sections at a time, as I found reading about the behaviour of so many involved to be frustrating. It was well worth a read but it's definitely a heavy read mentally.
I'm an avid reader of anything Kennedy related, but to be honest, I've always found Robert Kennedy a more interesting character than his brother, John. I found this book to be exhaustively researched, there was so much information packed into the chapters and some bits were rather dry to read but such is the nature of true crime investigations. I found myself agreeing that the main theories in the book were maybe a little out there, but plausible.
According to the author's research, Sirhan's behaviour before and after 5th June 1968 was strange to say the least. O'Sullivan argues persuasively that there is psychological evidence that Sirhan could have been a 'Manchurian candidate' - programmed to kill but not remember what he had done. This theory alongside the one that Sirhan was a 'patsy' and used to draw attention away from a second gunman, to me is given credence by the sheer effort that some went to to confuse, intimidate, & discredit witnesses. I could only read it in small sections at a time, as I found reading about the behaviour of so many involved to be frustrating. It was well worth a read but it's definitely a heavy read mentally.
July 2, 2013
This is a well-researched book and the author clearly knows his subject. However, I found the footnoting to be somewhat problematic. When it comes to a book like this, I like to check the footnotes to verify the author's claims...in this case the footnotes are given for the entire page rather than particular points. I didn't like that. I also think the author should have paid more attention to some of the ancillary figures in the RFK assassination probe, like Jerry Owen. Otherwise, I think it is a good addition to the literature relating to this tragic event.
September 1, 2009
Well-written, interesting overview, sympathetic to Sirhan. Perhaps because he invested so much time on the CIA angle, the author included an entire chapter that was frankly tedious to follow, concluding that the evidence for such involvement was shaky at best. He does, however, make a solid case that between the bungled LAPD investigation, Sirhan's attorney's sub-par representation, and some recent evidence, there's plenty of "reasonable doubt" to warrant re-opening the case.
October 10, 2009
An interesting read for anyone who is into conspiracy theories or the background information regarding assasinations of Political Figures. It takes a bit of concentration as the author has packed in a lot of research and information into it. Like the other Kennedy assasination it did leave me wondering was there more than one gunman and what role some Government Departments may have played in it.
October 17, 2011
thoroughly enjoyed this book, answered lots of unanswered questions. a brilliant investigation!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews