Manson Trial Put Off Again as Doctors Examine Susan
Tuesday, September 1st, 1970
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1 – The trial of cult leader Charles Manson and three of his girl followers was delayed again today to allow doctors at USC County Medical Center to complete their examination of one of the defendants. Susan Atkins, suffering what doctors said initially was an ovarian cyst, was undergoing X-ray examinations at the hospital today to see if she must undergo surgery.
Her attorney, Daye Shinn, said they would decide today whether an operation is necessary. If so, the trial could be delayed at least two weeks, he said.
Meanwhile, a motion to have deputies at the Sybil Brand Institute stop “harassing” all three of the female defendants — Miss Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten — was heard in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Defense attorneys contend, that, among other harassing tactics, they are not allowed to confer with their clients in the attorney room, but must use a visitors’ telephone center.
A ruling on the motion will be made Wednesday morning.
In New Orleans, meanwhile, the fifth suspect in the Tate-LaBianca murders, Charles Watson, was ordered extradited from Texas to face trial in California by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The appellate panel’s action cannot result in Watson’s immediate removal from Texas, but it left his lawyer with only two more ways to turn — both of which he said he will do.
Bill Boyd, Watson’s attorney, said he will petition for a rehearing before the whole five-member appellate court. Only three members made the decision today. If he is denied that, he said he will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court — his last chance to keep his client out of California.
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