Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Search
Search:
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
AFP - Saturday, August 8
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - They were the crimes that drew a blood-soaked line under the 1960s hippy era of peace and love, terrorized Hollywood and made headlines around the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yet 40 years after the horrific killing spree by Charles Manson's "family" in Los Angeles on August 9-10 1969, the macabre fascination with the murders remains as intense as ever.
Several of the murderers have their own Internet pages, books on the killings are being reprinted and a Hollywood tour dedicated to the crimes is doing brisk business.
Scott Michaels, whose "Dearly Departed" sight-seeing tour bus company offers a "Helter Skelter" trip dealing solely with the Manson crimes, says the killings acquired an almost iconic status.
"It was a real-life horror story," Michaels told AFP. "It involved bright, young, glamorous people -- it just had all the elements and was the first big criminal case that people became obsessed with.
"It scared the hell out of Los Angeles. The whole city was on edge and then they discovered that the people who did it were just kids. It just continued to shock right the way through the trial," he added.
The details of the killings have lost none of their shock capacity with the passage of time.
Manson, portrayed at his trial as a drug-crazed loner with mesmerizing powers of persuasion, ordered devotees to carry out random killings in wealthy white neighborhoods in an effort to trigger an apocalyptic race war.
Though the Manson family was responsible for at least nine murders, it is the seven lives claimed during the rampage in Los Angeles between August 9 and 10, 1969 with which the group is most closely associated.
Among the victims was the movie actress Sharon Tate, the 26-year-old wife of director Roman Polanski and eight-and-a-half months pregnant at the time, stabbed to death as she pleaded for the life of her unborn child.
Tate died along with four others at her home in the Hollywood Hills after four Manson disciples -- henchman Charles "Tex" Watson and three women, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Linda Kasabian, struck.
Using a towel dipped in Tate's blood, Atkins daubed the word "Pig" on the front door of the home. The next night, Manson and six others struck at the home of businessman Leno LaBianca, killing him and his wife Rosemary.
British journalist Ivor Davis, whose book "Five to Die" is being reissued to coincide with the anniversary, agrees with the suggestion that the Manson killings were "the day the Sixties died."
"It was the time of Haight-Ashbury, Woodstock, love and peace, hug your neighbor, go to bed with your neighbor, fornicate with your neighbor," Davis told AFP. "And then Manson came along and it was murder your neighbor.
"The terrible thing that happened at the Tate house not only killed all those people, it killed a generation really -- a whole mood, an atmosphere," said Davis, who covered the murders and the subsequent trial.
Former Los Angeles District Attorney Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted the Manson family and co-authored "Helter Skelter," an exhaustive, best-selling account of the crimes, said the savagery of the murders fueled the panic.
"I've heard many people say that prior to these murders, there were areas of the city where folks literally did not lock their doors at night," Bugliosi told Newsweek magazine. "That ended with the Tate/LaBianca murders.
"The killings were so terribly brutal and savage: 169 stab wounds, seven gunshot wounds. They appeared to be random with no discernible conventional motive. That induced a lot of fear throughout the city," he added.
Although police initially failed to link the two sets of murders, Manson and four followers -- Atkins, Watson, Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten -- were eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Kasabian, who had been at the Tate house, was the star witness and granted immunity.
The death sentences were commuted to life in prison after California briefly outlawed capital punishment. Since then, Manson, 74, and his fellow convicts have repeatedly sought parole but have been rejected.
Atkins, 61, who has brain cancer, had a request for compassionate release denied in July last year and is due to make another bid at a hearing in Los Angeles on September 2.
The repeated parole hearings, a 2008 search for human remains at Manson's former Death Valley hideout and the power of the Internet have ensured longevity for the Manson murders.
"Every year or so, one of them comes up for parole and the whole story gets regurgitated," Davis said. "The Internet has been an incredible driving force. It's kept the Manson myth bubbling along."
According to Michaels, Manson's status as "America's boogeyman" makes it unlikely that any of those associated with the crimes will ever be released.
"They were sentenced to die in the gas chamber and they were lucky to have those sentences commuted," he said. "That was more mercy than they showed any of their victims. Maybe this is an occasion when life should mean life."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
1 user recommend
Enlarge Photo
This March 2009 handout image released by the California State Prison(CSP) shows mass murderer Charles Manson. The now 74-year-old cult leader is serving a life sentence for conspiring to murder seven people, including actress Sharon Tate and coffee heiress Abigail Folger in 1969.
Most Popular – Top Stories
Viewed
Scientists decode HIV genome structure: study
Britain set to free great train robber Biggs
State-rescued bank RBS mired in bad debts
Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 8 August 2009 Police: 37 die in Iraq as bombs target Shiites
Bulgaria looks to techno park on old steel site
Britain frees Great Train Robber Biggs
Malaysia denies Internet filter will curb dissent
Surprise fall in US unemployment level
Dollar falls before US jobs data
Drugmakers to supply cheap HIV treatments
Fatah reform problems highlight Palestinian split
Death toll in N. Iraq bombing rises to 21
Aide says Pakistani Taliban leader killed by US
Indonesia police in shootout with suspected militants
Flood threat along river in southwest China diminishing: ministry
GOP Sen. Martinez tells supporters he's resigning
NY court: US govt can withhold Spitzer documents
12 killed in Philippines flooding: officials
'Militants' planning attacks in Delhi arrested: police
Former Beijing airport boss executed in China
Germ warfare scientist Wallace Pannier dies at 81
2 window washers rescued from Calif. high-rise
Arrest of leader a major blow to Sri Lankan rebels
US, Swiss get more time to finalize UBS tax deal
Ex-NY judge gets prison for recruiting prostitutes
Myanmar: Terrorists tried to disrupt Suu Kyi trial
Ohio bus driver was on phone when man killed
3 British troops, 1 American killed in Afghanistan
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Philippine floods kill 12, including 3 Europeans
Gun owners sue DC for right to carry weapons
Clinton visits Mandela, tours his archives
China keen to boost growth, avoid loan quotas: officials
Air India plans to go low-cost to survive
Chinese appliance tycoon's assets frozen in HK
China fund lost 2.1 pct on global portfolio in '08
SKorea, India sign free trade agreement
G.I. Joe should be court-martialed
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani stocks, rupee up on IMF loan hopes
Dance queen Lady GaGa fashions booming career
| Entertainment
|
Planner: China rebound still depends on stimulus
Kazakhs cut interest rates for 6th time in 2009
Gun Foundation Sues D.C. For Not Issuing Weapon Permits
Indonesian anti-terror police in shoot out on Java
Hurricane Felicia Continues To Weaken; Set For Early Tuesday Landfall
Martinez Resigns Senate Seat, Governor To Appoint Replacement
Taiwan's Jay Chou cast as Kato in Green Hornet
| Entertainment
|
Nine-Term Rep. Maloney Drops Plans To Challenge Gillibrand In Senate
Promising New Wastewater Treatment Technique Produces Electricity, Desalinates Water
Sanford's Wife Moving Out of Governor's Mansion
London's theaters defy downturn with bumper year
Reports: Retiring Sen. Mel Martinez Decides Not To Finish Term
Forty years on, Beatles fans flock to Abbey Road crosswalk
Responding To Jobs Report, Reid Says Congress Will Consider Extending Unemployment Benefits
U.S. Economy Sheds Less-Than-Anticipated Jobs In July By 247,000; Unemployment Rate Drops 9.4%
Steamed and stirred: Hot chocolate crowned Guatemalan patrimony
Insurer AIG Swings To First Quarterly Profit In Q2 On Business Stabilization
Salzburg celebrates Handel year with new 'Theodora'
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Comedian Adam Carolla to publish a book of rants
Madonna's Slovenian concert cancelled
David Byrne makes music with London building
Broadway revival of `Hair' recoups its investment
Pilots in SC Learjet crash heard noise, hit brakes
Britain in Afghanistan for 40 years: next army chief
Indonesia believes top militant killed: sources
| International
|
German ship released by pirates arrives in Kenya
Pro-Georgian blogger target of Internet attacks
Freddie Mac swings to profit, after steep losses
NATO probes two Afghan civilian casualties
| International
|
Iraq bombs targeting Shi'ites kill 50
Surprise fall in rate of US unemployment
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
Iraq bombs kill 50, mostly Shi'ites targeted
| International
|
Russia rejects new Politkovskaya probe
Pakistani Taliban chief Mehsud 'dead'
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
Venezuela's Chavez returns envoy to Colombia
| International
|
47 Iraqis killed in Shiite holy day attacks
India detains suspect North Korean sugar ship
| International
|
Number of missing from Tonga ferry put at 85
| International
|
U.S. moves toward releasing young Guantanamo detainee
| International
|
British soldiers killed in Afghan attacks
Obama says no quick way to end Honduras crisis
| International
|
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
| Technology
|
Mouse builds nest in Oregon ATM with $20 bills
Drunk police intern arrested for impersonating cop
FBI sting sheds negative light on NJ development
Former Jack Daniel's master distiller dies at 69
Asian terror suspect Noordin dead: TV
Philly officer accused of unauthorized Obama check
Medical Examiner Says Cocaine Contributed To Billy Mays' Death
Angry Americans disrupt town-hall healthcare talks
China probes Internet bootcamp after teen dies
| Technology
|
Asia struggles to find serious athletics medal hopes
Ark. doctor, wife face new charges in weapons case
1 dead, 4 missing as Typhoon Morakot slams Taiwan
Pakistan says Taliban chief is probably dead
Surprisingly strong jobs data signal turning point
Unusual ruling costs Appleby at World Golf event
Mich. police: Texas man used 5-month-old as shield
Ark. mom allegedly drank before sons drowned
Salmonella product recalls
Siddle, Clark put Aussies on top in fourth Test
China blames unrest on foreign-based separatists
Pakistani c.bank buys 20 bln rupees of T-bills
IMF boosts loan to Pakistan by $3.2 bln
News Corp tests charge-for-content policy at Sunday Times: report
Japan PM frontrunner calls for single Asian currency
Mad Men still spellbinding
| Entertainment
|
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian police exchange gunfire with militants
Iran Cannes stars seek asylum in Britain: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
| Entertainment
|
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
Asian pop star to play Kato in "Green Hornet"
Beckham on hand as 'Idol' resumes post-Paula
Ludacris takes on many roles beyond rap
US media giants press court to allow J.D. Salinger spin-off
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
"Mad Men" still spellbinding
Founder of punk's Mink DeVille dies at 58
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
Sarkozy played 'big role' ending Georgia war: Medvedev
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
Pakistani Taliban sows doubt over leader's death
| International
|
Explosions at besieged 'terror hideout' in Indonesia
Abbas reelected Fatah chief at strife-torn congress
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
| International
|
French lecturer, embassy staffers on trial in Iran
Iran puts French woman on trial
Fighting kills at least 17 in Somali pirate port
| International
|
War not won despite 'death' of Taliban chief: Islamabad
NATO friendly fire wounds 5 Afghan policemen
| International
|
Clinton plants flowers in South African township
| International
|
Fatah endorses Abbas as party leader
| International
|
Georgia war changed map for good: Russia's Medvedev
| International
|
One Turkish soldier killed in PKK violence
| International
|
Typhoon Morakot leaves 6 dead or missing in Taiwan
Malaysia confirms 3 new swine flu-related deaths
Pakistanis admit helping in Mehsud missile strike
Beijing marks Olympic Games first anniversary
Sotomayor Makes History By Taking Oath As First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice
US calls for Aug San Suu Kyi's unconditional release
Obama says `worst may be behind us' on recession
Voting begins near Sri Lanka's former war zone
Army Finds Soldier's Electrocution Death In Iraq As Accidental
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
The Nation's Weather
Consumer Credit Falls In June For Fifth Straight Month
Malaysia probes Philippine diplomat's killing
Two Failed Florida Banks Close Door
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Demonstrators disrupt health care forums
US sounds out new S.African leader
NASA Council Suggests Revival Of Advanced Concept Institute
AP Enterprise: Faulty speed sensors found on jets
Obese Texas inmate hides gun in his flabs of fat
Eunice Kennedy Shriver remains at Mass. hospital
Obama's health care plan helped by drug industry
SD Zoo's online Panda Cam crashes due to overload
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Top terror leader reportedly killed in Indonesia
Indonesia to ask Noordin family for DNA comparison
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Ben Stein loses NY Times column over endorsement
Aerosmith guitarist: Tyler broke shoulder in fall
Jermaine Jackson's 'Smile' coming to iTunes
Billy Mays' family: Never saw signs of cocaine use
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights