Key figures in Manson case: Cult disciples, rich and famous
LOS ANGELES — Cult leader Charles Manson, who directed his “family” to carry out a series of shocking murders in 1969 in a bid to start a race war he called “Helter Skelter,” died of natural causes at 83.
He collected a band of young followers in California before orchestrating the slayings of actress Sharon Tate; friends Jay Sebring, Voityck Frykowski and Abigail Folger; and Steve Parent, a guesthouse visitor on Aug. 9, 1969. The next night, a wealthy grocer and his wife, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, were killed.
Manson and three followers were convicted of murder. Manson also was later convicted of the slayings of musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald “Shorty” Shea.
Here’s a look at the key people involved in the case: