Charles Manson

Charles Manson: The Infamous Criminal Who Shocked the World

Charles Milles Manson was an American criminal, cult leader, and musician who gained worldwide notoriety for his influential role in the gruesome murders of seven people, including the pregnant actress Sharon Tate, wife of filmmaker Roman Polanski, and coffee heiress Abigail Folger. Manson was born on November 12, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Kathleen Maddox, a 16-year-old unmarried mother who later traced her ancestry to the Mayflower.

Manson had a troubled childhood as his mother was frequently arrested for theft and prostitution. At one point, Manson was sent to a juvenile detention center for stealing. There, he learned the art of manipulation and gained street smarts, which would be used to devastating effect later in life. Manson spent much of his adolescent years in reform schools, but it did not reform him in the way officialdom hoped. Instead, those institutions became home and family to him, breeding in him contempt and a desire for revenge towards those in authority.

Manson aspired to become a famous musician and songwriter and fell in with the hippie crowd when he realized they respected him and his ideas. He created a cult group called the Manson Family, which consisted of young, impressionable followers who were attracted to his charisma and magnetism. Manson used his charm and gift of manipulation to groom his followers, many of whom were runaways or troubled youth. Manson preached about an impending race war between blacks and whites, which he called "Helter Skelter," and believed his followers needed to prepare themselves for this conflict.

Manson's motivation was driven largely by his desire to gain power and control over his followers and their resources. He often used drugs and sex to control his followers. Manson was a charismatic leader who attracted many followers, including Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten, who became active participants in the murders he orchestrated.

Prior to his infamous infamous murders, Manson's criminal career included robbery, burglary, arson, and draft evasion. Manson was married twice; his first wife was Rosalie Jean Willis, with whom he had a son, Charles Manson Jr., who later changed his name to "Jay White" due to the stigma attached to his father's infamy. His second wife was Candy Stevens. He also had two children with two different women during his time with the Manson Family.

Manson was linked with several famous personalities during his life, including singer and songwriter Neil Young, whom Manson hoped would help him get a record deal. Manson also had connections with famous musicians such as Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and record producer Terry Melcher, who had turned down Manson's music.

In conclusion, Charles Manson was a criminal mastermind who left a lasting impact on the world through his heinous crimes. His story is one of tragedy, manipulation, and terror, and serves as a stark reminder of just how destructive human nature can be when left unchecked.