Donald “Shorty” Shea

Donald Jerome Shea, also known as "Shorty" (September 18, 1933 – August 26, 1969), was a Hollywood stuntman, actor and murder victim. The location of his body was discovered in 1977, eight years after his death. Manson Family leader Charles Manson and members "Clem" Grogan and Bruce M. Davis were eventually convicted of murdering Shea. Tex Watson was a possible participant in the murder, but was never charged. Life Donald Shea was born in Massachusetts on September 18, 1933. According to Shea's autopsy report, he served in the United States Air Force (s/n AF 11 270 704) from December 1954 until June 1956. He was almost tall. Shea moved to California to pursue a career in acting, mostly finding work as a stuntman. Later, he worked as a bouncer and as a ranch hand at Spahn Ranch, an old Hollywood movie set that had become a horse-riding stable. His autopsy report identifies him as "foreman" of the ranch. Shea reportedly got along with the other ranch employees. When the Manson family moved to Spahn Ranch, Shea initially co-existed with them peacefully. In time, however, Charles Manson began to look down on Shea because he had married a black woman by the name of Magdalene. Manson hated and mistrusted black people, and had been disgusted when Magdalene’s friends showed up at the ranch. Magdalene stayed at the ranch for only a few weeks before leaving Shea and returning to Las Vegas. According to Shea's autopsy report, Magdalene eventually settled in Lexington, Kentucky.