About The Case
Who is Charles Manson?
Charles Manson was an American cult leader who carried out many notorious murders, the most notorious being the LaBianca and Tate murders.
What was the motivation?
Charles Manson was motivated by many of the Beatles' songs, specifically Helter Skelter which served as inspiration for his plan for the two murders listed above.
What was the plan?
Helter Skelter was believed to be an apocalyptic war arising from racial tensions between African Americans and whites. Manson believed that African Americans would rise up and destroy all of the whites in America. Manson and his "family" (cult-followers) would be hidden safely in Death Valley. After the war was over they would arise and be put back in power by the African Americans.
When did this occur?
His cult arose in the late 1960's. The killings occurred in July and August of 1969, and the trials took place in the early 1970's.
Where did this occur?
The Family lived in California, near Death Valley. Charles Manson's trial was held in Los Angeles.
Who else was involved?
Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten, and Charles "Tex" Watson were the family members that were identified for committing the crimes.
Linda Kasabian was a member present at the crimes. She did not participate in them, however.
Paul Watkins testified against Manson explaining what his goals were and gave insight on life in the "family."
Charles Manson was an American cult leader who carried out many notorious murders, the most notorious being the LaBianca and Tate murders.
What was the motivation?
Charles Manson was motivated by many of the Beatles' songs, specifically Helter Skelter which served as inspiration for his plan for the two murders listed above.
What was the plan?
Helter Skelter was believed to be an apocalyptic war arising from racial tensions between African Americans and whites. Manson believed that African Americans would rise up and destroy all of the whites in America. Manson and his "family" (cult-followers) would be hidden safely in Death Valley. After the war was over they would arise and be put back in power by the African Americans.
When did this occur?
His cult arose in the late 1960's. The killings occurred in July and August of 1969, and the trials took place in the early 1970's.
Where did this occur?
The Family lived in California, near Death Valley. Charles Manson's trial was held in Los Angeles.
Who else was involved?
Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten, and Charles "Tex" Watson were the family members that were identified for committing the crimes.
Linda Kasabian was a member present at the crimes. She did not participate in them, however.
Paul Watkins testified against Manson explaining what his goals were and gave insight on life in the "family."