Was Charles Manson Born To Kill? | True Crime Story | Real Stories

Charles Manson: The Infamous Killer

Overview of the Crimes

• Charles Manson and his followers became notorious for a series of brutal murders that marked the end of the 1960s hippie dream, characterized by horrific killings.

• Manson was described as a powerful figure who could manipulate young people into following him, claiming to embody both Jesus and the devil.

The Tate Murders

• On August 8, 1969, police responded to a call about a man down at Cielo Drive, discovering five victims including actress Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant.

• Detective Mike McGann arrived at the scene to find gruesome details: multiple stabbings and the word "Pig" written in blood on the front door.

• Victims included Jay Sebring and Abigail Folger; all were found tied up and brutally murdered in what appeared to be a ritualistic manner.

Investigation Developments

• Roman Polanski, Tate's husband, was initially suspected but passed a polygraph test confirming he had no involvement in the murders.

• Following panic among Hollywood elites after these murders, another couple—Leno and Rosemary LaBianca—was killed with similar brutality just one night later.

Public Reaction and Fear

• The public response was one of fear and paranoia due to the random nature of these violent acts; total stab wounds from both incidents reached 169.

Confession and Background of Killers

• Three months post-murders, Susan Atkins confessed in jail about her involvement with Manson’s group; this revelation shocked investigators given their seemingly normal backgrounds.

• Many members came from stable families yet transformed under Manson's influence; he exerted control over them like a puppet master.

Understanding Charles Manson

• Manson's background as an unwanted child raised by relatives contributed to his complex personality; he became known for his charisma despite being an ex-convict.

• His ability to command loyalty led his followers to commit heinous acts on his behalf during one of history's most infamous crime sprees.

Charles Manson's Early Life and Criminal Activities

Troubled Beginnings

• Charles Manson's mother allegedly attempted to sell him as an infant, indicating a chaotic early life.

• Manson was involved in delinquent activities from a young age, leading to multiple institutionalizations where he faced sexual abuse.

• By the 1950s, he expanded his criminal activities to include pimping women, showcasing his manipulative skills.

Transformation During Incarceration

• While imprisoned at Terminal Island in 1960, Manson encountered Scientology and underwent extensive auditing sessions.

• He began writing songs infused with philosophies learned from Scientology and personal observations of human nature.

Manson's Release and Rise in the Psychedelic Scene

A Changed World

• Upon release after seven years, Manson found himself in a drastically different cultural landscape post-1950s.

• The psychedelic scene flourished in San Francisco, characterized by widespread drug use and communal living.

Gathering Followers

• Recognizing the potential for influence, Manson adopted a guru-like persona to attract followers during this era of counterculture.

The Formation of the Manson Family

Key Members Join

• Among those drawn to Manson were Susan Atkins and Patricia Krenwinkel, both with troubled pasts that made them susceptible to his influence.

• Atkins had experienced significant trauma including child abuse and her mother's death; she found solace under Manson’s guidance.

Cult Dynamics

• Krenwinkel met Manson on the beach; he used body image manipulation techniques to gain her loyalty.

• The group adopted a nomadic lifestyle using an old school bus while engaging heavily in sex, drugs, and music as part of their communal existence.

Introduction to Charles Manson's Music Aspirations

Manson's Pursuit of a Music Career

• Phil Kaufman introduced Charles Manson to music producers, including Terry Melcher, in hopes of securing a recording contract for his unique style of music.

• Manson was naive about the music industry; he misinterpreted positive feedback as genuine interest from business professionals who were not aligned with his hippie ideals.

The Chaos of Recording Attempts

• Despite numerous attempts, Manson faced rejection from the LA music scene, mirroring his childhood experiences with maternal rejection and institutionalization.

• After being released from institutions, Manson gathered followers in San Francisco and began recruiting more individuals as they traveled through California.

The Cult Dynamics and Followers

Barbara Hoyt's Experience

• Barbara Hoyt moved into a dilapidated film set with Manson’s group, which would later become notorious for its dark history.

• Among her new companions were future murderers like Tex Watson and Leslie Van Houten, who sought acceptance within the cult.

Profiles of Key Followers

• Leslie Van Houten came from an affluent background but turned to drugs after personal turmoil; she became drawn into the cult's lifestyle.

• Susan Atkins (Sadie), known for her shocking behavior, embodied the group's philosophy of rejecting societal norms and embracing childlike freedom.

Manson's Philosophy and Influence

The Cult’s Ideological Framework

• The group aimed to erase previous beliefs instilled by society to implant their own ideologies, promoting a mindset devoid of traditional values.

• Followers needed Manson as a father figure or guru while he relied on them for validation and support in return.

Diverging Perspectives on Freedom

• A conversation revealed tensions between individual freedom and Manson’s control over followers; some began questioning their alignment with him.

Manson's Delusions of Grandeur

Psychological Insights

• Dr. David Smith observed that by 1968, Manson exhibited delusional tendencies, claiming divinity while manipulating his followers' perceptions.

Helter Skelter Philosophy Emergence

• In summer 1969, Manson preached an apocalyptic ideology called "Helter Skelter," rooted in racial themes disguised under philosophical rhetoric.

Understanding Charles Manson's Ideology and Actions

The Concept of Helter Skelter

• Manson interpreted the term "helter skelter" from a Beatles song as a metaphor for an impending race war, believing that black individuals would rise to power while white people would fail to manage it.

• He envisioned creating his own civilization akin to the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating grand ambitions beyond mere survival.

Manson's Manipulative Nature

• Contrary to being mentally ill, Manson was described as manipulative, narcissistic, and psychopathic; he performed rather than genuinely believed in his apocalyptic messages.

• As tensions rose at the ranch due to external threats and internal paranoia, Manson became increasingly anxious about potential confrontations with groups like the Black Panthers.

Escalation of Violence

• Law enforcement began monitoring Manson’s group closely due to their drug activities; undercover operations were initiated but faced challenges infiltrating the tight-knit community.

• Following an arrest incident involving Gary Hinman, who later became a murder victim, there was a shift towards more violent actions within the family.

The First Murder: Gary Hinman

• In July 1969, after failing to extort money from Hinman, members of the Manson family killed him brutally. They attempted to frame the Black Panther Party by leaving bloodied slogans at the scene.

• This murder went largely unnoticed initially but set off a chain reaction leading to more infamous crimes committed by Manson's followers.

The Notorious Tate-LaBianca Murders

• On August 8th, 1969, amidst growing doubts about his leadership and dwindling loyalty among followers, Manson orchestrated murders intended to incite racial tension.

• Tex Watson led the attack on Sharon Tate’s residence where brutal killings occurred. The violence shocked those who knew them personally and highlighted a drastic transformation in their characters.

Graphic Details of Violence

• Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes during these murders; victims suffered extreme brutality with no empathy shown by their attackers.

• Patricia Krenwinkel chased one victim while others begged for their lives; this stark contrast between past relationships and present actions underscores how deeply manipulated they had become under Manson's influence.

Manson Family Murders: A Disturbing Account

The Aftermath of the Murders

• Individuals involved in the Manson family murders disposed of bloody clothing after committing the crimes, returning to their normal lives as if nothing had happened.

• The narrator recalls watching news coverage of the Sharon Tate murders with members of the Manson family, realizing they were among those responsible for such horrific acts.

• The chilling atmosphere was palpable; despite feeling scared and disconnected from that world, the narrator was unknowingly surrounded by murderers.

The Night of Terror

• On August 9, 1969, the Manson family committed a brutal home invasion resulting in the deaths of actress Sharon Tate and four others, marking a terrifying night in Los Angeles.

• Following this initial attack, Manson's followers sought more victims. They planned to break into a church but found it locked; instead, they targeted Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

Brutality Unleashed

• Manson personally orchestrated the LaBianca murders by tying them up before allowing his followers to enter and kill them brutally.

• Leslie Van Houten described her enjoyment while stabbing Rosemary LaBianca, indicating a disturbing level of desensitization among Manson's followers.

Symbolism and Control

• Over two nights, seven victims were killed without remorse. Even during their trial, many remained loyal to Manson, showcasing his control over them.

• Questions arise about whether these individuals were inherently violent or if they were shaped by their experiences with Manson.

Understanding Charles Manson

• While not born a killer, Manson's abusive upbringing likely contributed to his violent tendencies and desire to manipulate others into committing crimes on his behalf.

• The speaker suggests that while some followers may not have been predisposed to violence before meeting him, their exposure to drugs and manipulation led them down a dark path under his influence.

Cult Dynamics

• There is skepticism regarding whether any member would have committed murder without Manson’s influence; he preferred using others for violent acts to evade direct responsibility.

• Describing himself as highly controlling and manipulative, Manson maintained power over his followers through psychological means combined with drug use.

Understanding Choice and Responsibility in Upbringing

The Nature vs. Nurture Debate

• The speaker reflects on the complexity of human behavior, suggesting that while upbringing can shape individuals, it does not eliminate personal choice.

• Emphasizes the idea that everyone has the capacity to make choices, including the ability to say "no," regardless of their background.

• Discusses empathy towards victims, contrasting it with a perceived lack of care from those who have caused harm.

• Highlights a struggle with understanding why some individuals do not seem to acknowledge their responsibilities or the impact of their actions on others.

• Concludes that both nature and nurture play roles in shaping individuals, but ultimately, personal responsibility is crucial in determining one's fate.