Charles Manson
Before the murders, Manson spent more than half his life in correctional institutions and was a singer-songwriter on the fringe of the Los Angeles music industry.
- field
- Criminal, cult leader, musician
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Founding the Manson Family and ordering the Tate–LaBianca murders
Lore & Background
He committed his first documented crime in 1948, robbing a grocery store. After his release, he pimped a 16-year-old girl and was convicted of attempting to cash a forged U.S. Treasury check.
Reader's Guide
Manson denied ordering any murders. His legacy is one of manipulation and violence, and he remains a figure of enduring public fascination.
Did You Know?
- Manson's birth certificate lists his name simply as 'Manson.'
- The Beach Boys recorded Manson's song 'Cease to Exist' as 'Never Learn Not to Love' but did not credit him.
- He attempted to escape from Terminal Island by stealing a car less than two weeks before a scheduled parole hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manson Family?
The Manson Family was a cult group founded by Charles Manson in the late 1960s. It became infamous when its members carried out the Tate–LaBianca murders on Manson's orders, shocking the entire nation.
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