Manson To Get Special Privileges
Probably December 1969
Charles M. Manson preparing his own defense against murder charges in the
Sharon Tate killings, has free telephone calls, a runner to fetch law books when
needed and a few other privileges not given to prisoners with defense lawyers.
The "father" of the nomadic "family" linked to the five murders has been
shifted to a county jail cell that is like most of the other one-man cells only
nearer the library.
If Manson wants to use the library, jailers will escort him into the
glass-walled enclosure. He will be watched from outside but not disturbed
as he digs into law books.
"He'll have the privilege of a runner, if he requires one, to bring him
special law books he may not find in the library, and things like papers and
typewriter ribbon," Deputy Sheriff John Hooge said Thursday.
Also provided are a typewriter, free copies of court transcripts and free use
of two telephone booths outside his cell.
"He'll have free rein of the telephone within reason," Hogge said.
"Long-distance calls will be billed to the county."
The privileges are such as the county customarily provides - at court
discretion - to prisoners conducting their own defense. Manson, 35, won
them Wednesday when Superior Court Judge William B. Kenne gave him permission to
act as his own defense attorney.
Can Manson contact potential witnesses in person, including members of his
"family"?
"Not unless the court would order it," Hooge said. "And it's highly
doubtful that the court would."
If the court appoints an investigator or a psychiatrist, he will be allowed
to visit Manson in his cellblock almost any time, Hooge said.
"In that section extra study privileges are allowed. Often guys in
there just cannot function in the daytime. When the sun comes up they get
lethargic and just can't think straight. So special study privileges are
allowed for them at night, as long as they don't bother others."
Manson and four others, who police say are members of his "family," are
charged with murder in the killings of Miss Tate and four visitors to her Bel
Air mansion last August. They and a sixth group member also are charged
with murdering a wealthy merchant and his wife the next day and with conspiracy
to commit murder.
Manson has tamed his previously unruly hair into a neatly trimmed moustache
and beard and shoulder-length locks.
Hooge said his new cell has a bunk, commode, wash basin, drinking fountain
and a writing table and stool built into the wall. There's a shatter-proof
mirror and a shelf for toothpaste.
Manson's basic jail routine will be the same as that of other prisoners, the
deputy said. His food will be the same. He will be allowed only two
regular visitors a day, unless the court orders more. His mail from
private parties will be inspected and censored. Only letters from
attorneys, (unreadable) or court appointed investigators will get to him
(unreadable).
