Leno and Rosemary LaBianca - Trials and Convictions

Trials and Convictions

Initially, the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were not linked to the Tate murders. The difference in lifestyles, circles of friends and lack of any apparent connection were important factors in the decision to split up the investigation. On August 12, 1969, the LAPD officially announced no link between the Tate and LaBianca murders.

In late August 1969, several members of the "family" were arrested for suspicion of auto theft. The charges were dropped and "family" members were released. However, Susan Atkins remained behind bars for questioning about her role in the murder of music teacher Gary Hinman. While in jail, Atkins began boasting to fellow inmates about her involvement in the still unsolved Tate murders. Eventually two of the inmates, Virginia Graham and Veronica "Ronnie" Howard, informed prison officials of her claims. In December 1969, Atkins provided testimony before a grand jury about the Tate-LaBianca murders in exchange for immunity from the death penalty.

Manson, who was already in jail for receiving stolen property, was indicted on sexual charges. "Family" members Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten were arrested and indicted for their part in the murders. Linda Kasabian, who was present both nights, but did not participate in murdering the victims, turned state's evidence in exchange for immunity.

On June 15, 1970, Charles Manson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Leslie Van Houten, and Susan Atkins went on trial for the murders of the LaBiancas along with the victims at the Tate residence. Throughout the trial, the defendants were repeatedly banned from the courtroom for their outbursts and refusal to abide by the judge’s orders. Manson and his co-defendants were found guilty on January 25, 1971. Under California law, a second trial or penalty phase before the same jury then began to determine sentencing. After two months of testimony, the jury agreed with the prosecution's argument for the death penalty. On March 29, 1971, Manson, Krenwinkel and Van Houten were sentenced to death.

Susan Atkins also received the death penalty despite her initial agreement to testify for the prosecution. Prosecutors lost Atkins' cooperation in March 1970, three months before the case came to trial. After a brief meeting with Manson in jail, she retracted her confession and declared that she had invented the story implicating him, Krenwinkel and Van Houten before the grand jury.

On October 2, 1969, Charles "Tex" Watson had fled the ranch and headed back to his home state of Texas. On November 30, 1969, Watson was arrested in Texas for the Tate-LaBianca murders. He and his lawyers fought the extradition back to California for nine months. Upon returning to California, Tex began regressing to a childlike state. He stopped talking and eating, dropping 55 pounds. He was admitted to Atascadero State Hospital for a 90 day observation period to determine if he was able to stand trial. He stayed there until February 1970 when he was deemed able to stand trial.

On October 12, 1971, Watson was convicted of seven counts of first degree murder and one count conspiracy to commit murder. A week later, the same jury took only two and a half hours to determine that Watson was sane at the time of the murders. On October 21, Watson was sentenced to the gas chamber.