The Manson Murders Part 2

Truer Crime

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In the summer of 1969, California police hunted for the killers behind seven brutal deaths over two vicious nights. As the investigation zeroed in on Charles Manson and his cult followers, a shocking story began to emerge. What followed was a criminal trial like no other, marked by a revolving defense team, dramatic protests, and violent threats to witnesses. In this second installment of a two-part breakdown, we go deeper—and darker—to unravel the grisly murders that have haunted Americans for more than six decades.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and violence.
A full transcript of this episode is available here.

“Charles Manson is escorted to his arraignment on conspiracy-murder charges in connection with the Sharon Tate murder case, 1969, Los Angeles. (AP).”

“Susan Atkins leaving the Grand Jury room after testifying against Charles Manson, December 1969. (Credit: Ralph Crane/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)”

“Charles Manson followers, from left: Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten, walk to court to appear for their roles in the 1969 cult killings of seven people, Aug. 20, 1970, in Los Angeles, Calif. – George Brich/AP, FILE.”

“Linda Kasabian at a news conference in 1970. She became a centerpiece of the trial of Charles Manson and three of his associates, and she was given conditional immunity for her testimony.Credit…David F. Smith/Associated Press.”

“From left: Cathy Gillies, Kitty Lutesinger, Sandy Good, and Brenda McCann, of the Manson Family, kneel on the sidewalk outside the Los Angeles Hall of Justice on March 29, 1971. They kept a vigil throughout the trial in which Manson and three women were convicted of slaying actress Sharon Tate and six others. | Wally Fong/AP”

Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:

Look — the story of Charles Manson and the Manson Family murders is one that’s so easily sensationalized, it’s a reality that often pulls all the focus onto Manson himself. But to me, it’s important that we take the time to center the victims and their families — that we make an effort to learn about the people they were and the lives they lived outside of the tragic events that defined their deaths. So I wanted to tell you about a documentary called “Jay Sebring…Cutting to the Truth.” It’s directed and produced by Jay’s nephew, Anthony DiMaria, and it follows Jay’s life and career, highlighting his work as a pioneer in the industry of men’s style and hair. At the time of recording this episode, Jay Sebring…Cutting to the Truth is available for free on multiple streaming platforms, and I hope you’ll check it out!

Audio Used:

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

YouTube: Judgment of Charles Manson | Court TV Original, by COURT TV.

YouTube: Charles Manson follower Dianne Lake tells her story | SVT/TV 2/Skavlan, by Skavlan.

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

YouTube: The Charles Manson Murders – Al Wiman Reporter 1969, uploaded by St.Louis Flashback.

YouTube: NBC|ABC|20/20: Truth and Lies: The Family Manson, uploaded by

Kenneth McDonough.

YouTube: Paul Tate / Winifred Chapman / Susan Atkins Grand Jury Los Angeles, California December 5 1969, uploaded by The Backporch Tapes.

YouTube: Manson Trial TV Footage – KTLA – Remaster, uploaded by shamansonmusic.

YouTube: Manson Trial TV Footage – AP – Remaster, uploaded by shamansonmusic.

YouTube: Manson Trial Footage, uploaded by This Day In History Presentation.