Tate Deaths Trial Seen In 60 Days
December 12, 1969
LOS ANGELES - Dist. Atty. Evelle J. Younger says he has decided against
challenging a court restriction on pretrial statements in the Tate-LaBianca
slayings, even though he believes it may permit unfounded rumors to go
unanswered.
Younger’s decision was announced after Charles M. Manson, leader of a
hippie-type cult, was arraigned on murder conspiracy charges Thursday before
Judge William B. Keene in Superior Court.
Manson, 35, and five of his followers are accused in the gunshot and stabbing
deaths last Aug. 9 of actress Sharon Tate and four others at her Benedict Canyon
estate, plus the knifing deaths the next night of wealthy Hollywood grocer Leno
LaBianca and his wife.
Younger said he expects to bring the case to trial within 60 days.
He said he expects Keene to authorize release of the grand jury transcript as
soon as all defendants receive a copy and this, he said, should help counter
rumors.
He refused to comment on a Los Angeles Times report that the Manson "family"
- as the clan was called - may be accused of as many as 14 killings, but told
newsmen:
"Investigation of these individuals is continuing and is not limited to the
two cases with which we are proceeding to trial."
Sheriff’s officers ranged across an abandoned movie location ranch at
Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley Thursday, seeking Donald O’Shea,
48-year-old stunt man and onetime beerhall bouncer who dropped from sight about
the time Manson and his clan were encamped on the property.
Investigators said they were informed that O’Shea disappeared after an
argument with Manson.
