(Testimony of Lyndal L. Shaneyfelt)
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
It refers to the lower right-hand portion of that mark on Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 34. It is this area here, and this area here [indicating].
Mr. Redlich.
Was Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 35 the photograph on the basis of which the direction of the bullet fragment was determined?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
No; the direction was determined from an actual examination of the curbing itself rather than from the photograph. Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 35, was made primarily to show this lead deposit more clearly than Exhibit 34 shows it.
Mr. Redlich.
I realize, Mr. Shaneyfelt, that the next question may be out of your area of specialization, and you may not be able to answer it. But are you able to tell us whether, if there had been copper deposits indicating a fully jacketed bullet, whether in the intervening period of time between the assassination and the time the curbstone was examined these copper deposits might have been removed by rain or erosion or any other natural causes?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
It is my understanding that there is no more reason for the copper to be removed than the lead to be removed, and it is my observation of the mark itself, the lead deposits, that the effect of time on it was to add a layer of dirt and film over it which covered it--more an adding on of dirt and other matter which covered it rather than a wearing away.
So, based on this, although it is not possible to state whether or not copper was there initially and eroded away or washed away or wore away, it seem logical that copper would have no more reason to become worn away than lead.
Mr. Redlich.
Previous investigation, Mr. Shaneyfelt, as well as the results of the reenactment in Dallas, have led, as you know, to a tentative conclusion that if three shots were fired during the assassination sequence, that one of these three shots missed the occupants of the car.
Assuming that tentative conclusion to be a definite finding of fact for purposes of this question, are you able to tell us whether in your opinion, the location, the presence, of the lead marking on the curb, which has been designated as Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 34, provides any basis for determining which of the three shots fired by the assassin missed the Presidential limousine?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
Based on the assumptions as stated, it is my opinion that the examination of the mark on the curb has furnished only limited further information in this regard because it is not possible to establish whether or not this mark on the curb could have been made from a fragment of the shot that hit the President in the head or a fragment of another shot that missed. The very fact that it can be considered as one of the possibilities suggests a possibility of a third shot that missed.
Mr. Redlich.
How far from the President's position at frame 313 was the mark on the curb?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
I don't have that figure here at the present time. To the best of my recollection, it was approximately 260 feet from where the President would have been at frame 313 to the mark on the south side of Main Street which has been designated as Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 34.
Mr. Redlich.
I would like to designate at this time a number, Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 36, which we will apply to a communication which I asked you to furnish to the Commission giving us the exact distance between the President's location at frame 313 and the mark on the curb, Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 34.
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
All right.
(The article referred to was marked Shaneyfelt Exhibit No. 36 for identification. )
Mr. Redlich.
Have you completed your answer to my question with regard to whether this information offers any basis upon which one can conclude which of the three shots missed ?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
Yes; I believe I have. I have very little opinion regarding that.
Mr. Redlich.
Mr. Shaneyfelt. prior to our deposition you and I discussed the matters concerning which you were going to testify, and during the course of this deposition there were a few conversations which were not transcribed, is that correct?
Mr. Shaneyfelt.
That is correct.
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