The Manson Family, directed by mass murderer Charles Manson, murdered nine people across Los Angeles during two nights in August 1969. Their known victims included actress Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Steven Parents, and Wojciech Frykowski, among others, per People Magazine. All four died in a rented LA house in August 1969. The following night, they murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca and Donald Shea and Gary Hinman.
In 1970, Manson along with five of his followers was convicted of the murders. Prosecutors granted Linda Kasabian, a sixth follower, immunity in exchange for her testimony against the cult leader and other members.
Who were the Manson Family members & How did they commit the murders?
According to The Standard, the Manson Family comprised about 100 members who were allegedly brainwashed by Charles Manson’s problematic teachings. His cult followed the hippie culture and the concept of communal living.
Some notable members prosecuted for carrying out the horrific slayings were Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten, and Patricia Krenwinkel. Others convicted in connection with the same were Charles ‘Tex’ Watson, Bobby Beausoleil, Clem Grogan, Bruce Davis, and Lynette Fromme.
BBC reported on the killings which started when Manson’s followers killed Roman Polanski’s wife and actress Sharon Tate. Susan Atkins stabbed Tate, who was pregnant at the time, on the night of August 9, 1969. The followers then murdered four other people present in the same rented home at 10050 Cielo Drive. After committing the murders, Atkins wrote ‘PIG’ on the home’s front door using blood.
The outlet reported that the following night, the Manson Family murdered wealthy grocery store owners Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. The couple were also stabbed to death. Moreover, these seven killings were collectively called the Tate-LaBianca murders. Their final victims were Donald Shea and Gary Hinman. Both were murdered separately.
Manson Family’s conviction came in 1970 and a year later, their leader was sentenced to death. However, he only died of natural causes in November 2017.
