Charles Manson
Charles Manson was an American criminal and cult leader. In the late 1960s, Manson formed what became known as the Manson Family. The Manson Family believed in a racial apocalypse which would be triggered by them, calling it Helter Skelter. Once the vision was complete, Manson ordered his followers to commit a series of nine murders at four locations in July and August 1969. One of the victims was actress Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski’s wife, pregnant at that time.
The Tate murders became headlines and didn’t take long until police gathered enough evidence against Manson and his family.
Soon after, the trial began on June 15, 1970. The prosecution’s main witness was Kasabian, who, along with Manson, Atkins, and Krenwinkel, had been charged with seven counts of murder and one of conspiracy.
On January 25, 1971, guilty verdicts were given to the four defendants on each of the 27 separate counts against them and on April 19, 1971 and they were also sentenced to death.
Charles Manson died on November 2017 at the age of 83.
Read more about the Manson Family crimes