Manson Security Stays Same After Gunshop Raid
Tuesday, August 24th, 1971
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 – Charles Manson’s jailers said Monday no increase is planned in the already tight security surrounding the condemned murderer, despite a weekend raid on a gunshop allegedly carried out by some of his disciples.
Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Orr said Manson was “quite secure” in a vacated cell block on the 10th floor of the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles where he is on trial for two more killings.
Manson, 36, already condemned to death for the seven Sharon Tate and LaBianca killings, occupies a lone cell in the downtown building.
On a street corner outside, newsmen talked Monday with longtime Manson follower Sandra Good, 26. She and others have squatted outside the building ever since the Tate trial began more than one year ago. When Manson was convicted, they shaved their heads.
“We are his will now,” Miss Good said. “We want him out. We want him out soon.”
Miss Good declined to say if the raid on the Western Surplus Store in suburban Hawthorne was the first step in such a plot.
Sheriff Lt. Dykehouse noted that threats from Manson and his clan were not new.
“During the course of the trials of Manson and his associates threats have been made on the judges, prosecutor, defense attorneys, the district attorney and others.
“Statements also have been made to the effect that Manson and the rest would be rescued,” Dykehouse said.
Five alleged Manson family members were in custody Monday on robbery and attempted murder bookings stemming from the raid that ended in a shootout with police. A sixth suspect was sought.
Three of the suspects, two of them women, were wounded in the gun fight Saturday. Police responded to a silent alarm and the suspects opened fire when officers arrived, authorities said.
Manson’s trial for the slayings of former follower Gary Hinman and Spahn Ranch hired hand Donald “Shorty” Shea was in recess until Sept. 7.
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