Selects: The Manson Family Murders Part 2

Charles Manson's fixation with the Beatles' White Album and specifically the song "Helter Skelter" has been closely examined in relation to his influence over his followers and the notorious murders they committed.

Manson's obsession with the Beatles' White Album and his belief that the band was communicating with him

Charles Manson had a history of obsessing over the Beatles, delving deeply into the band's music while in prison. His fascination with the group intensified following his release and the release of the Beatles' White Album. Manson, heavily influenced by the shift to darker thematic content in the album and his use of acid, began to interpret the Beatles' music, particularly "Helter Skelter," as prophetic.

Manson and his followers believed that the Beatles were communicating directly with them, delivering messages about an impending apocalyptic race war also referred to as "Helter Skelter," which they were destined to outlast in Death Valley. Manson would hold gatherings around bonfires where he shared his interpretations of "Helter Skelter," convincing his followers of the race war’s inevitability.

The prosecution's theory that the Manson Family committed the murders to ignite the "Helter Skelter" race war

The connection between the Manson Family murders and the "Helter Skelter" scenario mainly stems from the theory put forward by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi during Manson's trial. Bugliosi’s key argument was that Manson commanded the grisly murders of the Tate residence's inhabitants to initiate this race war.

Despite Manson countering Bugliosi’s theory by claiming he never directed h ...

The trial of Charles Manson and his followers was marked by chaos and numerous attempts by Manson to derail proceedings, which were coupled with the judge's efforts to maintain judicial control.

Manson's attempts to disrupt and control the trial proceedings

Charles Manson saw the courtroom as a stage for his manipulative performances. At times he attempted to serve as his own attorney and frequently disrupted proceedings with outbursts. Manson repeatedly yelled, cursed, and showed disrespect not only to Judge William Keene but also toward the American flag, embodying the courtroom chaos many came to expect from the trial.

In addition to vocal disruptions, Manson and his followers carved Xs into their foreheads, symbolizing their alienation from society. This act of self-mutilation was intended to shock and disrupt; these Xs later evolved into swastikas. His acolytes echoed Manson's behavior, also carving Xs into their foreheads and going so far as to shave their heads in solidarity.

The judge's efforts to maintain control of the trial

Judge Keene denied Manson's request to represent himself, reflecting the court’s attempts to prevent further spectacles and derailments. Manson’s antics ultimately led to Keene’s removal, and Judge Charles Older assumed responsibility for the trial. Despite this change, Manson's disruptive behavior continued, compelling Judge Older to remove him from the courtroom at ...

The specter of the Manson Family murders continues to loom over the American consciousness, with the imprisonment and parole attempts of its members unfolding as a cautionary tale of manipulation, control, and the darkest capabilities of humanity.

The lengthy prison sentences received by the Manson Family members convicted of the murders

Susan Atkins, known for her role in the Manson Family murders, agreed to testify against Charles Manson to avoid the death sentence, which was then in effect in California. Her testimony led to Manson's arraignment in December 1969, but she later recanted. Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten were all convicted in January 1971 on counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Atkins died of brain cancer in 2009.

Leslie Van Houten, despite being recommended for parole, had her release denied by California Governor Jerry Brown, who cited her continuing refusal to take full responsibility for her crimes. Patricia Krenwinkel remains in prison to this day, holding the dubious distinction as the longest-serving female inmate in the California prison system.

The struggles of Manson and his followers to gain parole or have their convictions overturned

Manson thrived on public attention and continued to seek a cult following even from within prison walls. He engaged in a series of relationships ranging from pen pals to a woman he possibly married in recent years.

Manson's notoriety was bolstered through televised interviews conducted by big names like Diane Sawyer, Charlie Rose, and Geraldo Rivera. However, after the Sawyer interview, California enacted a ban on televised inmate interviews largely due to the spectacle of Manson's appearances.

Even from behind bars, Manson aimed for stardom; bands like Guns N' Roses and the Lemonheads recorded his music, which contributed to his image as a cult figure.

Later in life, a follower named Star, who supported Manson's environmental philosophy known as ATWA (Air, Trees, Water, Animals), moved near the prison where he was h ...