NEW ORLEANS, Jul. 31 – The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has at least temporarily blocked the extradition of a defendant in the Sharon Tate murder case, now being fried in California.

The appellate court today agreed to hear the appeal of Charles Denton Watson, 24, who is being held in Collin County, Tex., in connection with the August 1969 slaying of the 26-year-old actress and several other persons.

Watson’s request for a writ of habeas corpus to avoid extradition was denied by Judge William W. Justice of U.S. District Court in Tyler, Tex.

The appellate court asked for a record of the district court case and said a hearing will be held some time after Aug.8.

Linda Kasabian, key witness in the case, testified Watson took part in the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four guests, as well as those of Mr. and Mrs. Leno LaBianca.