One of the notorious cults in history, the Manson family were responsible for one of the most trying times in American culture. Coming to the limelight in the 1960s, the family hooked onto the social change abuzz at the moment, turning to psychedelic drugs as a way of interfering with the cultural ecosystem. While their actions started experimentally, they soon grew out of control and before long, the cult had put into motion some of the most devastating acts of the time.
Led by Charles Manson, the group cut off ties from their existing families, looking to Charles as a way of discovering how to lead their lives. Turning to hallucinogenic drugs, Manson managed to get a hold over the group members, getting them to carry out a number of brutal and unprovoked attacks.
(source: nbcnews.com)
While the cult were focused on differences in socio-economic class, their ultimate goal was to bring about something they called “Helter Skelter”, beginning a race war in the country and having Charles Manson somehow coming out on top of it all. Despite Charles’ vision for the world, he got group members to carry out murders on various individuals, turning to people like Charles Watson, Bruce Davis and Patricia Krenwinkel to do his dirty work.
In the aftermath of the murder spree, cult members began to see their acts in an altogether different light. Due to their heavy use of drugs, key cult members have had their trials carried out again and again in the hope of finding new information. Despite this, members like Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten have been denied parole, remaining behind bars for their actions decades ago.
(source: biography.com)
Other cult members have led completely different lives. While Susan Atkins died in prison, Linda Kasabien escaped without criminal charges, after abandoning the cult following their brutal actions. As for Charles Manson, the cult leader is still serving time for his crimes. Despite being in his 80s, the man is still one of the notorious in history, remembered only for his brutal actions towards others.