Reading old posts and I ran across this one. Any insights about the early proceedings of the Hinman murder trial? Was Manson found guilty (or did he plead guilty) of conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, or murder of Hinman? Was the newspaper accurate about Beausoleil alleging that it was Manson who killed Hinman with the others 'powerless to stop it'? The reason I ask......why would Prosecutors believe the testimony of Mary Brunner over Beasoleil's allegations (that Manson killed Hinman)? Brunner, IMHO, seemed to be a biased and possibly prejudicial witness, early Family member, the mother of his child, etc. Also, I'm not sure about the law in CA at the time......was (or is) the sentencing the same for conspiracy to murder and actual murder, etc.? How does the Prosecutor and LE prove conspiracy?
I am sure in the back room dealings the Prosecutors took into affect that the jury would look at Mary Brunner, having a new baby, and once working as a Librarian. Not Violent enough. The jury would then look at Charlie, the Ex-con, and Bobby an aspiring rock star. and bingo there you have it. case solved. Vince
Interesting that BB states Manson was looking around Cielo for escape routes. That explains the dune buggies that were heard around the neighborhood before the murders. Maybe he found one and did go to the scene un-noticed? FB
