Search Is On for More Manson Victims

When a Southern California TV station recently ran a story about the possibility of authorities finding more victims of Charles Manson and his followers in Death Valley, it seemed like just another unseemly attempt to trump up a slow news night. Perhaps it was, but the story has now gotten a boost from the BBC, which reports that excavations aimed at finding bodies at Barker Ranch will start in 10 days.

BBC:

Initial surveys of the remote ranch some 200 miles (320 km) north of Los Angeles in February proved inconclusive.

“I believe the only way to determine once and for all whether there are bodies buried at Barker Ranch from the time of the Manson family is to proceed with limited excavation in a very few areas,” said Inyo County Sheriff Bill Lutze.

The four-day excavation is due to start on 20 May.

Manson and the four of his followers convicted of the spree of murders have reportedly claimed more victims are buried at the ranch.

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AP photo / Gary Kazanjian

Deserted: Barker Ranch, in California’s Death Valley.