Linda Kasabian

Linda Kasabian is a former member of Charles Manson's notorious cult known as the "Manson Family". As one of the key witnesses in the prosecution of Manson for the Tate-LaBianca murders of 1969, Linda became a well-known figure in the American criminal justice system.

Born on June 21, 1949, in Biddeford, Maine, Linda spent most of her childhood moving around with her family. She dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and ran away from home to escape a troubled family background.

After hitchhiking across the country, Linda eventually settled in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco. She grew disillusioned by the hippie counterculture and decided to join Charles Manson's commune at the Spahn Ranch. It was there that she met other members of the Manson Family, including Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten.

On the night of August 9, 1969, Linda accompanied Manson and the others on a mission to murder everyone at the house on Cielo Drive, which was then occupied by Sharon Tate and her friends. Linda did not participate in the killings but was present during the entire ordeal. The following night, she also accompanied Manson and the group to the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, where the killings were once again carried out.

After being arrested and testifying against Manson during the trial, Linda went into seclusion, staying out of the public eye except for occasional interviews for programs like A Current Affair and Larry King Live.

While Linda's involvement in the Manson Family had a profound impact on her life, she was driven by the desire for acceptance and belonging. She was a loyal follower of Manson and his twisted ideologies, but ultimately came to realize the errors of her ways.

Before joining the Manson Family, Linda faced a number of challenges in her life, including an unstable family life and a lack of direction. Her experiences with the Manson Family ultimately led her down a dark path, but the trial and the support from her loved ones helped her take steps towards healing.

Linda has two children - Tanya and Angel - and was previously married to Robert Kasabian. Her name has also inspired the name of the popular British rock band Kasabian.

Though Linda is notorious for her involvement with the Manson Family, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism and the importance of confronting one's role in harmful actions.