• Manson Cult Woman Asks to Defend Self

Manson Cult Woman Asks to Defend Self

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 – The fifth of six cultists charged in the murder of actress Sharon Tate and six others faced arraignment today in Los Angeles Superior Court and asked to be her own attorney.

Following the lead of Charles Manson, long-haired Patricia “Katie” Krenwinkel asked Judge George Dell in a legal motion to be allowed to defend herself. Manson, the cult leader, is acting as his own attorney.

Standing almost motionless before the bench, the 21-year-old woman heard the indictment read, charging her with seven counts of murder and one of conspiracy to commit murder. Then with a faint smile on her face, she listened as Judge Dell appointed a public defender to discuss her case with her.

“I’m not denying your motion yet,” Judge Dell said, “but I want the public defender’s office to determine whether or not there is a conflict of interest in this case if they entered it.”

The Krenwinkel woman in her motion, as did Manson, requested she be allowed to act pro-per and be aided by co-counsel. Judge Dell indicated that despite some court decisions permitting this practice, he did not approve of it.

Further proceedings were scheduled for next Tuesday at 9 a.m., when the public defender’s office will report on its investigation.

Miss Krenwinkel, arrested in Mobile. Ala., had fought extradition until late last week.

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