Judge Denies Manson Request
Thursday, April 30th, 1970
LOS ANGELES, Apr. 30 – Charles Manson, accused mastermind of eight slayings, as once again appealed to the court to allow him to defend himself because “it’s in my heart.”
Stroking his heard and reaching inside his purple velvet embroidered shirt to scratch his chest, Manson, 35, Wednesday told the court:
“I’m as interested in justice as the court or the district attorney. l don’t think anyone can defend me except myself. My sincerity is here. It’s in my heart, and now I’m trying to get it in my head.”
Superior Court Judge George M. Dell reiterated his earlier ruling that Manson was incapable of acting as his own attorney, although he commented, “You’re making a nice recovery, Mr. Manson, but it just isn’t enough.”
Manson, who indicated he would appeal the ruling, and co-defendant Susan Denise Atkins, 21, were in court to enter pleas to the July 27 stabbing death of musician Gary Hinman.
Robert K. Beausoleil, a “Manson family” member, was condemned to death in the Hinman slaying and witnesses at his trial testified Beausoleil killed Hinman on Manson’s orders.
Miss Atkins tried to enter a plea of “once in jeopardy” in the Hinman case, because she already had a preliminary hearing on the same charge before the county grand jury issued murder indictments naming her, Manson, and Bruce Davis, who is being sought.
Dell had the “once in jeopardy” motion stricken after the district attorney’s office assured the court the prosecution intended to dismiss the earlier charges against Miss Atkins in favor of the indictment.”
Both Manson and Miss Atkins were ordered to return to court May 22 for arguments on motions to dismiss the indictment and to enter pleas if the motions are denied.
Attorneys for both of the suspects argued the indictments should be quashed for lack of evidence.
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