NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Oak Ridge Researchers Help Search For Manson Victims

Oak Ridge Researchers Help Search For Manson Victims

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Equipment developed by researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will help determine whether there are undiscovered graves on a remote ranch where Charles Manson once lived.

Two Oak Ridge scientists were part of a team last month that found possible grave sites at a former Manson family hideout in Death Valley.

The team recommended excavating the sites, but local law enforcement agents want further testing first.

Oak Ridge researcher Arpad Vass said they will use specialized equipment to test soil samples for chemical markers that match those released during the decomposition of human bodies.

A decision about whether to dig will be made after once they have the results, likely in late April.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)