(Testimony of M. W. Stevenson)
Mr. Stevenson.
I believe that was the 24th.
Mr. Hubert.
Now each one of these bureau chiefs reports to you and is responsible to you, is that correct?
Mr. Stevenson.
That's right; yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Who are you responsible to?
Mr. Stevenson.
To the assistant chief of police.
Mr. Hubert.
Who is that?
Mr. Stevenson.
Chief Charles Batchelor.
Mr. Hubert.
In the course of this examination, it would be helpful to us if you would try to state an approximate time as to each episode or fact that you testify to, and also indicate whether the fact or matter or episode that you are testifying to is within your own knowledge; that is to say, gained from your own observation, or whether the information you give us was obtained from someone else, in that case, tell us if you can remember who gave you the information.
Mr. Stevenson.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Now, would you just give us briefly an account of what you did from about 12:30 on November 22 on forward.
Mr. Stevenson.
At about or approximately 12:30 p.m., on the 22d, I was at the Trade Mart on Industrial, as I had charge of the officers and the security of the building for the luncheon of President Kennedy. At about 12:30, approximately, I was notified by Secret Service Agent Grant and Captain Souter that the President had been shot. We didn't know how severe. It was stated that he was on the way to the hospital.
I immediately contacted Captain Fritz and two of his homicide men and relieved them from their assignment at the Trade Mart and assigned them to the investigation. As soon as I had done that, I relieved 13 other detectives and supervisors. I believe it was 13. I told them to notify headquarters they were available for assignment, and if no assignment, to report to the Texas Book Depository, as it was reported that there was a possibility the suspect might still be in the building.
After that, as fast as I could safely in my own opinion relieve the balance of men who I had on duty, because it had not been announced to the entire group there what had happened--that was at the request of the Secret Service that we didn't want a stampede there as fast as I could relieve the others, I started relieving and putting them on duty and telling them to report to headquarters or notify headquarters they were available for assignment and any assistance they could give.
At approximately 1 or 1:15, I would say, Mr. Eric Jonsson notified the group of people in the Trade Mart that the President had been shot and had succumbed. Then as soon as we could empty the building, we relieved everyone and put them all back on duty with instructions to report to headquarters, where we kept them on duty as long as we needed any on any of the assignments. Chief Batchelor was still at the Trade Mart when we finally relieved all of the men.
He and I left the Trade Mart and drove to Parkland Hospital to see if we could render any assistance out there. When we got out there, we found Mr. Lawson of the Secret Service. He stated he would be ready in a few moments, to transfer the President's body to Love Field to be flown back to Washington. He had no escort. He asked if we would escort the hearse bearing the body to Love Field. We told him that we would. He, and I believe it was a member of the White House staff, rode in the car with us. We led the hearse to Love Field. Arrived at Love Field--
Mr. Hubert.
Do you know what time you left the hospital, approximately?
Mr. Stevenson.
I would say around 1:44), that is as near as I could say offhand, Mr. Hubert, I would say 1:40 to 2 o'clock.
Mr. Hubert.
So you provided the escort for the hearse leaving the hospital about 1:40 ?
Mr. Stevenson.
About 1:40 or 1:50. It's got to be somewhere in there, because the body was not held at the hospital but a short while.
Mr. Hubert.
Did you know Jack Ruby prior to the time that he shot Oswald ?
Mr. STEVENSON, No, sir.
|
