Posner Vs. Harris

By: Michael Russ (back to main JFK Page)

One of the questions I often ask conspiracy theorists is this; If there were other shots fired, besides Oswald's, then tell me: 1) when they were fired 2)where they were fired from, and 3) where they landed. I would then be more than willing to compare the evidence that supports the lone nut theory with the evidence that supports their theory. At one point, Robert Harris actually did this. He laid out a complete alternate theory about what happened. Unfortunately, he seems to have backed off on some his theory, but he still seems to hold onto the basic theory that there were four shots fired. If you want to read his whole theory his JFK page is http://homepage.mac.com/reharris44/jfk/

His basic theory is that Kennedy, and Connally were indeed hit by the same bullet fired from the depository at frame Z-185, That a second shot was fired from the Dal-Tex building at frame Z-285 and missed the limousine completely and landed in the street, causing the wound to James Tague. He claims the third shot was the shot that hit Kennedy in the head at Z-312. I'm assuming that he believes that shot was also fired from the depository. He also believes there was a fourth shot fired from a sewer on the north side of Elm street at frame Z-323. This fourth shot is the shot that he seems to have backed off on, but the shot at Z-285 would be proof in of itself of a conspiracy.

I will use the theory proposed by Gerald Posner in his book Case Closed as the alternative theory. Posner believes that Oswald fired at frame Z-160, and that shot deflected off a tree branch. The core of the bullet separated from the jacket and traveled down Elm street and stuck the curb, causing the wound to James Tague. The second shot was fired at frame Z-223 and hit both Kennedy, and Connally. The third shot was the head shot at frame Z-313.

Since most researches accept that there are 18.3 frames per second on the Zapruder film. Harris's theory would translate to, a shot, a 5.5 second gap, a shot, a 1.5 second gap, a shot, and a .6 second gap and a final shot.

Posner's theory would translate to: a shot, a 3.4 second gap, a shot, a 4.9 second gap and a final shot.

Both men claim that the Zapruder film supports their theory, but I do not want to get into a detailed analysis of the film. You can watch the film yourself and decide. Both men also claim that the overwhelming testimony of the witnesses supports their theory. I would like to put those claims to the test.

I will list a witness, and then try to include all of the relevant testimony (notice I said try, I'm sure someone is going to complain that I left something important out. I am very limited in disk space, but there are many good sites that have the complete testimonies of these witnesses. I encourage people to read as much of this testimony as possible.). I will then try to point out why the testimony does or does not support each mans theory . I will start with the most commonly mentioned witnesses first, and I will continue to update this page as I have time. If you have requests for an individuals testimony, if you have your own theory that you would like put to the test, or if you find a mistake, please send me mail

List of Witnesses

Some General Comments