Linda Kasabian Testimony
Manson-Atkins-Krenwinkel-Van Houten Trial Testimony
Linda Kasabian cross-examined by Paul Fitzgerald (August 3, 1970):
(Missing testimony. Retelling her previous testimony. Attempted to show she
could have contacted police several times but didn’t. Questioned her about a
book being written about her.)
Q: Is it your understanding that upon the publication of your book you will
be quote famous unquote?
A: I don’t care. I don’t care if I am famous or not. It doesn’t matter.
Q: The purpose of the book is to secure money, isn’t that right?
A: Actually the purpose for the book is so that younger people can relate to
me and see that this road I went down is not the way, and they will go another
way. That is my purpose.
Q: They will profit from the mistakes you have made in the past, is that
right?
A: Yes.
Q: I have no further questions.
(Attorney’s approached bench due to news story that President Nixon had
declared that Manson was guilty.)
FITZGERALD: I have been handed what purports to be a Western Union telegram,
a telegraphic copy of an AP Wire Service that was handed to all the news media
wherein the President of the United States is quoted as saying that a man who is
guilty, directly or indirectly, of eight murders without reason - and he is
referring to Charles Manson - I am a little emotional perhaps, but I think it
would absolutely be grounds for a mistrial.
OLDER: Well, if true it is a perfect example of why I insisted the jury be
sequestered.
FITZGERALD: Yes, it was a wise thing, no question about it. Everyone is
entitled to change his opinion.
(Judge Older stated it was premature to consider any motions. Denied motion
for a mistrial.)
Linda Kasabian cross-examined by Day Shinn:
(Missing testimony concerning Kasabian’s conversations, while in custody,
with Stovitz, Bugliosi, police and her attorneys.)
Q: Do you recall what Mr. Bugliosi said to you at the first meeting?
A: What he said to me?
Q: Yes.
A: Well, he always stressed for me to tell the truth.
Q: Besides the truth I’m talking about.
Q: Did she answer the question, your Honor?
A (Kasabian): I was waiting for you. I thought you were busy.
Q: You can answer the question, I’m sorry.
A: I have no question to answer.
Q: I did not get the last answer, your Honor.
STOVITZ: She was waiting for you, she did not want to be discourteous and
answer your questions while you had your back turned.
OLDER: I would suggest you put the question to her again, Mr. Shinn.
SHINN: I forgot the question.
OLDER: Let’s go back and read the record.
(Question was read back but declared ambiguous by judge.)
(Missing testimony about consultations with attorneys.)
Q: I believe you also stated that you have hallucinations sometimes?
A: Under the drug?
Q: Under the drug or not under the drug; hallucinations?
A: Well, sitting here right now, when I look at all those holes, they just
sort of seem to all go together. I don’t know if that is hallucination.
Q: What holes?
A: Excuse me. The holes in the tiles on the walls.
Q: What else do you see?
A: I see a clock, and I see wood, and I see people.
Q: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
STOVITZ: Then or now, counsel?
(Missing testimony about Kasabian not telling about murders before her
arrest. Cross-examination was yielded to Kanarek.)
