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Digging up Charles Manson Rumors
Rumors have always been floated that bodies have been buried at Charles Manson's Death Valley hide-out and place of arrest. Then, this last February, Detective Paul Dostie of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department and a pack of cadaver-sniffing dogs with a black Labrador named Buster in lead smelled something afoul, eyebrows were raised and dirt samples were analyzed, according to the LA Times .
Now, today is the day that Inyo County sheriff's and scientists head up to Barker Ranch to confirm or put to rest what people think is true -- something that is fascinating some and angering others who think it's a waste of taxpayer dollars.
"I've heard so many stories over the years about Barker Ranch. Some say there's 30 bodies out there; some say 24. Some say none at all. We won't know until they dig it up," country store owner, Rock Novak told the newspaper.
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Other locals are predicting that ancient Indian graves will be dug up. And some park rangers think that if human remains are found, they could be from a 1996 disappearance of four German tourists.
Previously on LAist
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Where are Manson's Children Now?
Photo: Arpad Vass investigates a target site looking for buried bodies behind the abandoned Barker Ranch house as Buster, a human remains grave dog looks on in the Panamint Mountains west of Death Valley National Park (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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