Laurence Merrick (April 22, 1926 â€" January 26, 1977) was an American
film director and author. He is best known for co-directing the Oscar
nominated documentary Manson (film) in 1973 with Robert Hendrickson.
Sharon Tate, one of the victims in the Manson murders, was a former
student at Merrick's Academy of Dramatic Arts. His later business was
Merrick Studios, 870 N. Vine St. in Hollywood. It was a low-cost
acting school, with several students attending via the GI Bill.
Merrick was killed by a gunman on January 26, 1977.He was shot in the
back in the carpark of his acting school.Murder was unsolved for over
four years until October 1981 when Dennis Mignano,35 of San
Jose,California confessed to his murder.He was found not guilty by
reason of insanity and committed to a mental hospital.An unemployed
would be actor and singer with a long history of psychiatric problems
Mignano contended that he had auditioned at Merricks school and that
during the audition black magic spells were cast upon him that later
caused him problems.
film director and author. He is best known for co-directing the Oscar
nominated documentary Manson (film) in 1973 with Robert Hendrickson.
Sharon Tate, one of the victims in the Manson murders, was a former
student at Merrick's Academy of Dramatic Arts. His later business was
Merrick Studios, 870 N. Vine St. in Hollywood. It was a low-cost
acting school, with several students attending via the GI Bill.
Merrick was killed by a gunman on January 26, 1977.He was shot in the
back in the carpark of his acting school.Murder was unsolved for over
four years until October 1981 when Dennis Mignano,35 of San
Jose,California confessed to his murder.He was found not guilty by
reason of insanity and committed to a mental hospital.An unemployed
would be actor and singer with a long history of psychiatric problems
Mignano contended that he had auditioned at Merricks school and that
during the audition black magic spells were cast upon him that later
caused him problems.
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