Manson Cited In Murder
Wednesday, April 15th, 1970
LOS ANGELES, Apr. 15 – Charles Manson, hippie cult leader who allegedly master-minded the seven Tate-Labianca killings, has been charged in a secret indictment with still another slaying — the stabbing death of bagpipe musician Gary Hinman.
Two of Manson’s followers also were indicted yesterday: Susan Atkins, whose grand jury testimony led to the Tate-Labianca indictments; and a male member of the cult who still is at large.
The indictments were issued one day after Robert K. Beausoleil, currently on trial for the Hinman slaying, testified that Manson stabbed the musician to death last July.
It was believed, however, the secret indictments stemmed from testimony of Mary Brunner, 26, by whom Manson fathered a baby more than a year ago.
Miss Brunner, who was granted immunity, testified at the Beausoleil trial last week that Beausoleil stabbed Hinman to death last July on orders from Manson.
She said Hinman, 34, was first tortured, then killed because he refused to turn over $20,000 Manson believed he had inherited.
Miss Atkins previously had been charged in a complaint with the Hinman murder which was filed even before she, Manson and four other family members were accused of the Tate-Labianca killings last August. Manson and four others are scheduled to go on trial April 20.
After the indictments were released, sheriff’s investigators went to the Spahn Ranch, stronghold of the family, to arrest Bruce McGregor Davis, 27. However, family members said Davis, who currently is free on $10,000 bond in connection with a federal charge of purchasing a firearm under a false name, left the ranch two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Beausoleil testified during his trial yesterday he lied to detectives last August when he was questioned about the Hinman slaying,
He had told authorities that he went to Hinman’s home and found him bleeding from a wound on his face, but not dead.
“I was trying to protect Charlie, I was afraid of what he might have done to me. He has a lot of influence over people and I was afraid,” Beausoleil said.
Comments