November 17th 2024.
Charles Manson was no stranger to killing, even before he became the notorious leader of a cult that carried out a series of brutal murders in 1960s Los Angeles. In fact, as revealed in a new docuseries premiering on Peacock, Manson had a dark past that most people were not aware of. The series, titled Making Manson and directed by Billie Mintz, features 20 years' worth of recordings from Manson's time in prison.
In a teaser clip for the series, Manson can be heard admitting to being involved in "a couple" of killings during his time in Mexico. He explains that he was living there and got involved in some illegal activities, including stealing cars and being involved in murders. Manson even confesses to leaving behind his .357 Magnum and some dead bodies on a beach. In another recording, he boldly states, "I'd murder everybody I could," and adds, "I'd kill you all if I had the chance."
Manson's wild-eyed and charismatic demeanor, combined with his orchestrating of a wave of violence in August 1969, made him a household name and a source of terror. He ordered his followers, known as the "Manson Family," to carry out the infamous killings, including that of actress Sharon Tate. The gruesome murders and Manson's involvement shocked the nation and landed him and his followers in prison for the rest of their lives.
Despite his obvious involvement in the murders, Manson maintained his innocence in a recording featured in the docuseries. He claimed that he never broke the law, but he never denied his involvement in the crimes. Dianne Lake, a former member of the "family," also speaks in the series about Manson's criminal past before the murders. She reveals that she knew he had been in prison before for taking a girl across state lines, but she didn't think much of it at the time.
Manson died in prison in 2017 at the age of 83, after being denied parole 12 times. His notoriety only grew over the years, thanks to books and films that depicted his dark and apocalyptic visions. But his killings didn't start with the infamous Manson Murders. In fact, his violent tendencies can be traced back to his childhood and youth. Born in 1934 in Cincinnati, Manson spent most of his formative years in and out of reform schools and prison for various crimes.
In a 1987 interview with CNN, Manson reflected on his troubled past and admitted that he had spent most of his life in institutions because he had no one to guide him. After two failed marriages and years spent behind bars, Manson ended up in Berkeley, California, in 1967, where he became a guru and shared a home with 18 women. It was during this time that he became convinced that a race war was imminent, inspired by the Black Panther movement and anti-world violence. He even called it "Helter Skelter," after the Beatles song.
Manson believed that the Beatles were sending him a message through the lyrics of their White Album, which was released in 1968. He interpreted the songs as a call to action for the Black community to rise up and overthrow the white establishment. In Manson's twisted mind, he and his "family" would be spared by hiding out in a "bottomless pit" near Death Valley until he could emerge and take control of the new order after the race war.
During his time in prison, Manson would listen to the radio and was particularly drawn to the music of the Beatles. He even started writing songs and performing in prison shows, inspired by the famous band. Manson's music caught the attention of Beach Boys' member Dennis Wilson, who introduced him to record producer Terry Melcher, the son of actress Doris Day. However, after Melcher declined to work with Manson further, he moved out of his house, which was then leased to director Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate. This is where the Manson Murders took place, solidifying Manson's name in history as one of the most infamous cult leaders and murderers of all time.
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