Speedy Trial Sought in Tate Murder
Friday, December 12th, 1969
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 – The shaggy, leather-clad chieftain of a band of young cultists who, with five followers, is charged with murder-conspiracy in the killings of actress Sharon Tate and six others, stood slouched with arms crossed Thursday at his arraignment.
Charles M. Manson, 35, short and slight with bushy brown hair and beard and piercing blue eyes, made three points in a brief soft-spoken exchange with the judge.
He objected to being represented by a public defender, saying there might be a conflict of interest. He sought assurance he would have the right to question witnesses. His middle name is Milles, not Miller,as previously reported, he said.
In another development, Dist. Atty. Evelle J. Younger told a news conference his office will seek a speedy trial – within 60 days after all defendants have been returned to California. He also protested a court order Thursday sharply limiting pre-trial publicity, but said he will not challenge it. He declined to confirm the report of a possible 14 clan-linked killings.
Members of the hippie-type band charged with Manson are: Susan Atkins, 21, Linda Kasabian, 20, and Leslie Louise Van Houten, 19, all arraigned Thursday and ordered to enter pleas Dec. 22, the same date set for Manson; also Patricia Krenwinkel. 22, held in Mobile, Ala., and Charles Watson, 24, held in McKinney, Tex.
They are charged in the killings Aug. 9 of Miss Tate and four visitors to her Bel Air mansion, and those the next night of Mr. and Mrs. Leno LaBianca, wealthy market owners. Miss Houten is charged with murder only in r the LaBianca slayings.
Comments