Thanks in large part to the testimony of Linda Kasabian, a key witness whose testimony at trial was vital, Charles Manson and some of his followers were found guilty of taking part in the gruesome killings of seven individuals. In Washington state, Linda Kasabian passed away unexpectedly.
Her death certificate, which TMZ obtained, states that she passed away on January 21 in a hospital in Tacoma. Her remains were afterward set on fire. Her death did not have a known reason.
Kasabian changed her name to “Chiochios” after she left the Manson Family to hide her identity. During the 1970–1971 Manson trial, Kasabian was granted immunity in return for acting as a pivotal witness for the prosecution.
She participated in the two nights of chaos planned by Manson and his cult members, which led to the death of seven people in Los Angeles.
Throughout her 18-day testimony, Kasabian described in gory detail how Manson’s control allowed the 1969 murders to occur. She recalled how Charles Watson had taken her, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and herself to Roman Polanski’s residence in Benedict Canyon. Kasabian said that Watson, Krenwinkel, and more fatally shot and stabbed five people, including Polanski’s unborn wife.
Kasabian’s testimony played a significant role in Manson and his supporters being found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Her passing marks the end of an era and brings to mind the horrific killings committed by Manson and his followers.
Where was Linda Kasabian born?
Linda Kasabian was born Linda Darlene Drouin on June 21, 1949, in Biddeford, Maine, USA.
How did Linda Kasabian escape the Manson Family?
In August 1969, Kasabian went to the home of Sharon Tate and her husband Roman Polanski with Manson and a number of other cult members. At the house, the group killed Tate and four other people. They also murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the following evening. Despite being present at both crime locations, Kasabian did not take part in the murders.
Kasabian’s disillusionment with the Manson Family and its violent actions grew rapidly after the killings. She ran away from the cult out of fear for her life and went into hiding.
Kasabian was located by law enforcement on October 10, 1969, and was taken into custody on unrelated crimes. She provided information to police about the murders’ connection to the Manson Family while she was being held and consented to testify against Manson and the other cult members in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Manson and several other cult members were successfully prosecuted and convicted thanks in large part to Kasabian’s testimony. In the end, she was cleared of all charges in relation to the slayings and was allowed to leave detention. She has mostly kept a low profile ever since and avoided the spotlight.