Manson Family Murders Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1749 GMT (0149 HKT) June 14, 2022

It has been more than five decades since the murder of Sharon Tate and four others at the Los Angeles home of Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski. The murders led to the arrest and trial of Charles Manson along with his followers who physically committed the crimes.
Photos: Manson Family murders
It has been more than five decades since the murder of Sharon Tate and four others at the Los Angeles home of Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski. The murders led to the arrest and trial of Charles Manson along with his followers who physically committed the crimes.
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Polanski and Tate at their wedding in January 1968. Tate was eight months pregnant at the time of her death.
Photos: Manson Family murders
Polanski and Tate at their wedding in January 1968. Tate was eight months pregnant at the time of her death.
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Writer Wojciech Frykowski, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring and Steven Parent, a friend of the family's gardener, were also killed.
Photos: Manson Family murders
Writer Wojciech Frykowski, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring and Steven Parent, a friend of the family's gardener, were also killed.
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The victims were stabbed, shot and beaten to death.
Photos: Manson Family murders
The victims were stabbed, shot and beaten to death.
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Polanski, who was out of town at the time of the murders, is seen on the porch outside his home. The remnants of the word "pig" can be seen where it was scrawled on the door.
Photos: Manson Family murders
Polanski, who was out of town at the time of the murders, is seen on the porch outside his home. The remnants of the word "pig" can be seen where it was scrawled on the door.
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On the night of August 10, three of Manson's followers killed supermarket executive Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home (pictured). This time Manson accompanied his followers to select the victims, but he did not take part in the killings.
Photos: Manson Family murders
On the night of August 10, three of Manson's followers killed supermarket executive Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home (pictured). This time Manson accompanied his followers to select the victims, but he did not take part in the killings.
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Manson and his followers were arrested at this remote location, called Barker Ranch, on suspicion of auto theft. Police did not immediately connect them to the murders.
Photos: Manson Family murders
Manson and his followers were arrested at this remote location, called Barker Ranch, on suspicion of auto theft. Police did not immediately connect them to the murders.
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A break in the case came when Susan Atkins, already in jail, told a fellow inmate about the Tate murders. "Because we wanted to do a crime that would shock the world, that the world would have to stand up and take notice," she said.