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Helter Skelter in the Summer Swelter: 40 Years Since Manson Murders
Tonight and tomorrow mark the 40th anniversary of two nights of murders in Los Angeles that forever changed the cultural landscape. Instructed by the head of their "family" one young man and three young women crept onto the property of a home atop Cielo Drive, and ruthlessly initiated a bloodbath that cost the lives of all who were present: Sharon Tate, Abigal Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, Jay Sebring, and Steven Parent. The following night a similar group replayed a similar scene, this time on Waverly Frive in Los Feliz, taking the life of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
It was a time that would soon be known as "Helter Skelter," thanks to words painted in blood at the scene of the second crime, and the "family" leader Charles Manson's insistence that the Beatles' song urged him on.
It took police a very long time to connect the ne'er do well Manson and his band of vagabond and runaway "misunderstood" miscreants to the bloody killings, but once the connection was made, the world never forgot. Forty years later Manson still sits in prison--and garners attention--as do the others who played a part in the murders, like Susan Atkins, whose own "death sentence" is her failing health and the denial of her request for an early "compassionate" release.
Today's LA Times has an excerpt of an interview with Vincent Bugliosi, the man known as "the Manson prosecutor," and author of the book Helter Skelter about the crimes. Although he has numerous other professional credits and accolades, as the interview reveals, and he admits, first and foremost will always be Manson.
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Incidentally, we like to talk about Manson et al, too. Here's a 40th Anniversary sampling:
It's Always Manson, Manson, Manson!
Ex-Manson Follower Wants Early Release Due to Illness
A 39th anniversary seance at the Tate-Polanski "house"
Digging Up Charles Manson Rumors
Where Are Manson's Children Now?
Scary Stories: Spahn Ranch
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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