County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

GARY HINMAN INVESTIGATION

10-19-70

069-02378-1076-016

MURDER 187 PC

ACTIVE: Additional Information

HINMAN, Gary MC/34

MANSON, Charles Miles MC/36 (at al)

At approximately 1530 hours, 10-6-70, the undersigned met with Ronnie Howard, a witness in the Tate-LaBianca Case, in Room 1030 at the Mayfair Hotel. Miss Howard was asked if Susan Atkins had made any comments or statements as to the Hinman affair and she replied that while in custody with Susan, Susan had remarked that the police had it all screwed up, the whole case was turned around. She stated that she helped Bobby and another girl, who was presently testifying against her (presumably Mary Brunner), tear up the place to make the residence look as though there had been a fight.

Miss Howard added that Susan had said that Charles had cut Gary's ear off and that she, Susan, sewed his car back on again. Gary was still alive at this time. Susan stated to her that there were 11 murders that the cops will never find and even if they do find one guy, they won't recognize him or be able to identify him because they cut his head off (the inference being Shorty Shea, who's name was not mentioned).

Susan also told Ronnie that some guy had gone back to the Hinman house a couple of days later and heard maggots eat at Gary's body and the smell was terrible. Susan told Ronnie that they had gone to the residence because Gary had either owed them money or they wanted to get $10,000 or $20,000. Miss Howard could not remember the exact wording. Susan also told Miss Howard that there was a conversation on the phone in which the person at the other end (inferring Manson) had said "Okay, you know what to do."

During the course of their conversation, Susan never mentioned a gun being at the residence, nor did Susan indicated how they got to the location or how they left the Hinman residence.

Miss Howard stated that Susan Atkins never mentioned the death of Shorty Shea and did not speak of where he might be found or any facts relating to the Shea case. Undersigned attempted to refresh Miss Howard's memory by stating a couple of facts in the Shorty Shea matter but Miss Howard was adamant, saying that she was sure Miss Atkins had not mentioned that particular incident.

It may be noted that much of the information received from Miss Howard during this questioning has been made public through the news media or through books.

Miss Howard stated that her real name is Hughes and that she would testify in court for us as to the facts previously stated and that she can be reached through her mother at 406 Maple Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, (612) 774-0993.

Investigation continuing.

CHARLES C. GUENTHER, DEPUTY #943
DUANE P. RASURE, DEP. SGT. #5
HOMICIDE BUREAU, DETECTIVE DIVISION
APPROVED BY: WALTER OWNBEY, LT.

crabb-steno

COPY TO: Stat