The Manson family had many followers, all being controlled by Charles Manson. He attracted followers of both sexes would use abuse, drugs and other methods to control the members of his cult. Below are the key members involved in the Tate-LaBianca killings, although there were many other family members that were not apart of these slayings.
Leslie Van HoutenBorn in 1949 to an average middle class family of Southern California, Leslie Van Houten led the typical American life. In 1968, she met Manson and other members of the "family", who described him as "Christ-like". Leslie instantly became infatuated by Manson, moved onto the ranch and fell under his spell. She would later follow the instructions, participating in the brutal murder of Rosemary LaBianca and being sentenced to the death penalty. Much like Manson, the death penalty for Van Houten was reduced to life in prison. Earlier this year, Van Houten was released on parole by the California State Parole Board.
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Susan AtkinsBorn in 1948, Susan Atkins had a troubled childhood. At age 15 she dropped out of high school and moved to San Francisco to support herself. In 1967, Susan met Charles Manson and his family and began to travel with them, moving onto his ranch. Much like everyone else, Atkins was swept of her feet by Manson's charisma. In 1969 Atkins would partake in the Tate murders. Atkins was found guilty of the murders, and died in 2009 while still in prison.
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Patricia KrenwinkleBorn in 1947, Patricia Krenwinkle was on of the first to fall into Manson's trap. She et Charles and began traveling with him and moved onto the ranch. In 1969, Krenwinkle took part in both the Tate murders, and the gruesome LaBianca muders. She was found guilty of both murders, and was sentenced to the death penalty. In 1972, her punishment was commuted to life in prison due to the rulings of the 1972 case People V. Anderson. As of 2012m Patricia was the longest serving female inmate in the state of California.
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Charles "Tex" WatsonCharles "Tex" Watson was a key member in the Manson Family. He first met Manson at a party being thrown by Dennis Wilson, a member of the Beach Boys. After the party, Watson returned to the ranch with Manson and became part of the family. Watson was Manson's right-hand man. He led the murders at both the Tate house and the LaBianca house, upon Manson's orders. He was convivted of murder and has been in prison ever since.
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Linda KasabianBorn in 1949, Linda was a twenty year old hippie with a young daughter when she met first encountered Manson and joined the family on the ranch. In 1969, she was instructed to go along with the other family members to carry out the Tate and LaBianca murders. She fled the scene, and a few days later left the family. At trial, she testified against the family, and she escaped the prosecution.
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Steve "Clem" Grogan
Born in 1952, Steve Grogan was a high school drop-out that joined the family in the late 1960's. He was in the car at the time of the LaBianca murders, but refused to participate in the vicious slayings. However, he did partake in the murder of Donald "Shorty" Shea. Grogan served less than 15 years of his prison sentence befor being released on parole.
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