Maxwell Keith spent his career as a defense attorney in California, but the biggest case of his career was in 1970 when he became the court-appointed defender for two members of the Charles Manson Family.
The murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others by the Manson Family became one of the biggest stories in 1969. He was selected to represent Leslie Van Houton and Charles "Tex" Watson.
Mr Keith attempted to use a defense based on the theory that his clients were brainwashed into following the orders of Manson. All of the defendant were convicted and received life sentences.
Mr Keith, 87, died on March 6, 2011 at his home in Templeton, CA of complications from pneumonia.
After serving in World War II, he received a degree from Princeton University and attended law school at Loyola College. He passed the bar in 1953, beginning his career in the Los Angeles area.
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