Longtime AP Courts Reporter Who Covered Manson, Simpson, Spector Dies at 80

Linda Deutsch, the renowned special correspondent for The Associated Press (AP), passed away on Sunday at her Los Angeles home. She was 80 years old and was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her death. The cause was pancreatic cancer.

Deutsch received her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2022. Although initial treatments appeared to be successful, the cancer returned this summer, leading to her passing, as announced by the AP.

Throughout her illustrious 50-year career, Deutsch covered some of the most high-profile trials in Hollywood and American history. Her reports included coverage of notorious cases like the Charles Manson murder trial, O.J. Simpson’s double murder trial, Phil Spector’s murder trial, and the Menendez Brothers trial.

She also covered other significant cases involving celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Patty Hearst and reported on trials related to police brutality, including the one involving Rodney King’s assault by police officers.

Deutsch’s journey into court reporting began with the 1969 trial and conviction of Sirhan Sirhan, who was charged with the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

According to former AP executive editor and CEO Louis D. Boccardi, Deutsch was the go-to journalist for high-stakes trials. “When a big trial loomed, AP’s assignment editors didn’t have to ask who should get the assignment. The instant question was, ‘Is Linda available?'”

Boccardi also noted that Deutsch had mastered the art of covering celebrity trials and, through her work, became something of a media celebrity herself.

Linda Deutsch is survived by her uncle Marvin Sosna, cousins Elaine Deutsch, Lisa Deutsch, Lana Sternberg, and her godson Luke Rattray. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.