Hearings Before the President's Commission
on the
Assassination of President Kennedy

Testimony of L. C. Graves

The testimony of L. C. Graves was taken at 10:30 a.m., on March 24, 1964, in the office of the U,S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex., by Mr. Butt W. Griffin, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Mr. Griffin.

I am a member of the advisory staff of the General Counsel of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. The Commission has been given authority under a congressional resolution to investigate the facts surrounding the death of President Kennedy and the killing of Lee Harvey Oswald, and, other related events.
We are interested particularly, in calling you, in the events that surrounded the death of Lee Harvey Oswald. We are also interested in everything that you may know and so, you can consider relevant any question having to do with the complete scope of the investigation. Now, you have the right to receive, by mail, the notice 3 days in advance before the taking your testimony, and I want to ask you at this time whether you waive that notice?

Mr. Graves.

Yes; I waive that notice.

Mr. Griffin.

Now, you also have a right to be present here with an attorney, and, of course, you are not represented by counsel. If you would like the opportunity to get an attorney, we'll afford you that chance.

Mr. Graves.

No; I don't think that is necessary.

Mr. Griffin.

Would you state for the record your name?

Mr. Graves.

My name is L. C. Graves [spelling] G-r-a-v-e-s.

Mr. Griffin.

Where do you live, Mr. Graves?

Mr. Graves.

I live at 7811 Maxwell Avenue, Dallas, Tex.

Mr. Griffin.

And where are you employed?

Mr. Graves.

I am employed with the Dallas Police Department, as a detective in the homicide and robbery bureau.

Mr. Griffin.

How long have you been with the Dallas Police Department?

Mr. Graves.

14 years, the 31st day of October last.

Mr. Griffin.

Where were you born?

Mr. Graves.

October 8, 1918, at Camp County.

Mr. Griffin.

Texas?

Mr. Graves.

Texas.

Mr. Griffin.

Have you been interviewed by me previous to this deposition which we are now taking?

Mr. Graves.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

Would you state for the record when it was that you and I talked?

Mr. Graves.

Oh, approximately 30 minutes ago.

Mr. Griffin.

We have been talking almost continuously since that?

Mr. Graves.

Yes.

Mr. Griffin.

All right, now, I will indicate for the record that we have been discussing the--your experiences from the time President Kennedy was shot until you arrived for work on Sunday morning, November 24, and I believe you