The Manson Murders Part 1

Charles Manson is a name synonymous with terror. But after decades of coverage, is there still something we’re missing about one of the most notorious figures in American crime? What forces shape the narratives we think we know? In the first chapter of a two-part deep dive, we’ll examine the Manson murders through a fresh lens, uncovering details that have long gone unnoticed. Sometimes, the most familiar stories require the closest look.
Please be aware that today’s episode contains mentions of sexual assault and violence.

A full transcript of this episode is available here.

“Charles Manson, with a swastika on his forehead, walks to court in Los Angeles, during the the penalty phase of the Sharon Tate trial after being convicted of murder in the deaths of Tate and six others on March 12, 1971.”

News article published in the Indianapolis News, announcing Manson’s departure to Boys Town.

“Members of the Manson Family after their move to Spahn Ranch in 1968. Murderpedia.”

“Inside the geodesic dome that Lake’s father built in the backyard of their Santa Monica house in 1967. Her father is holding a joint, and this was taken right before their family dropped out.”

Dianne Lake, 1971.

“Overview of Spahn Ranch in Los Angeles, California, Late 1969 (Credit: Ralph Crane/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images).”

“The Spahn movie ranch, shown December 11, 1969, where Charles Manson and his “family” of hippies lived at the time actress Sharon Tate and seven others were slain. Associated Press.”

“Slain the night of Aug. 9, 1969, at Roman Polanski’s Benedict Canyon house were, from left, Voytek Frykowski; Sharon Tate; Stephen Parent, 18, who had been visiting a friend in the guest house and was found slain in his car; famed hairstylist Jay Sebring, 35; and Abigail Folger. (Associated Press).”

Leno + Rosemary LaBianca.

“A police officer guards the driveway of the home of Leno LaBianca, 44, and his wife Rosemary, 38, following their murders in Los Angeles on August 10, 1969. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images.”

Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:

Housing instability and a lack of community were major factors for many of the young people who ultimately decided to join the Manson Family. Each year, My Friend’s Place works with a thousand young people and their kids, lending support through a variety of programs—including daytime shelter, food services, housing case management, and educational and employment readiness programs. You can support their work by volunteering, purchasing Amazon wishlist items, or donating on their website.

Audio Used:

YouTube: Charles Manson: Reporters Recall Brutal Killings, by ABC7

YouTube: Charles Manson “If I Started Murdering People..” (Full Version!), uploaded by

Rory Collins.

ABC News: Former Manson follower says despite murders, she still loves him: ‘I don’t think you fall out of love’.

YouTube: Two former Manson followers discuss how cult family, 1969 murders changed their lives, by ABC News.

YouTube: Dianne Lake recounts her time with Charles Manson, by Los Angeles Times.

YouTube: Leslie Van Houten 1977 Interview Part 1, uploaded by Manson Mythos.

YouTube: 1993 THROWBACK: “Charles Manson RAW INTERVIEW With Diane Sawyer”, uploaded by Hezakya Newz & Films.

YouTube: Susan Atkins Interview 1978, uploaded by Center for Sacramento History.

ABC News: ARCHIVAL VIDEO: Leslie Van Houten Recounts Her Role as Manson Family Member in 1999 Interview.

ABC News: Charles Manson and his followers are arrested for the Tate-LaBianca murders: Part 9.