Amnesty or Criminal Justice? To whom it may concern, I was only 13 when Charlie Manson (Juan Duarte, CDC B-33920 Corcoran) I was sentenced to prison. I never met the Man. All I know about him I learned from books and the news media. There are a few things that bother me about the case. First, Charlie Manson was accused of being able to control other people’s minds, psychically “to kill”. Although the prosecutor never established the fact that he or any one else was capable of doing such an incredulous act. Second, The main witnesses were his co-defendants (Susan Atkins and Squeaky Fromm,) who were obviously delusional, since they admitted, “hearing voices" that believe were Charlie Manson. And the court accepted this as evidence even though, According to the 1965 Federal Court Ruling People vs./ Arranda, states “You can not enter into evidence any statement made by one co-defendant against another…” Therefore, their (Susan Atkins and Squeaky Fromm,) statements would be considered inadmissible as evidence against Charlie Manson. Ronnie Howard’s testimony would be considered a confession from Susan Atkins and Squeaky Fromm, but hearsay against Charlie Manson. Third, Charlie Manson never killed anyone himself. And he wasn't even at the crime scene. Those women weren’t forced or co-ursed. Therefore he should have been charged with “accessory,” at the most. His sentence would then be 5 years in California State Prison. Fourth, The gun that the prosecutor submitted as evidence was a 45 caliber. The gun used at the crime site was a 38 caliber?? Fifth, The Judge should have ruled the case an acquittal. For this type of serious felony should be a unanimous vote from the jury not majority. It’s been more than 37 years since Charlie has been convicted. This year he’ll celebrate his 74? birthday. I think it’s time to set this innocent man free. Please consider initiating a further investigation. For the sake of Liberty and Justice for all.
I believe he isn't the loveliest of characters but he didn't commit any murders so he really is at best an accessory. To say that those girls killed only because Charlie told them to, is to take away all choice and responsibilty from humanity. But hey, isn't that the purpose of the law?
Just a question, is incitement to murder not a crime in the US? In Britain incitement to murder is a crime that is as serious as murder. Gang bosses, for example, might never dirty their own hands, but would hire people to kill their rivals....
