309# The Manson family | from the summer of love to murder — part 1

309# The Manson family | from the summer of love to murder — part 1

In 1969, California was supposed to be the land of peace, love and freedom. But in the hills outside Los Angeles, Charles Manson was building a very different kind of family.

In Part 1 of this two-part deep dive, we explore Manson's troubled past, his desperate ambition to become a musician, his connections to the world of rock and roll, and how he drew a group of young followers into his increasingly disturbing world.

From life at Spahn Ranch to the apocalyptic beliefs behind Helter Skelter, we uncover the events that led to the brutal murders of Sharon Tate and her companions, followed by the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

Who was Charles Manson? How did he gain such control over his followers? And could the promise of an alternative way of life really descend into something so horrific?

We follow the story through the murders, the investigation and the hunt for answers that would eventually bring the Manson Family into the courtroom.

This is the story of manipulation, obsession and the darkest side of the Summer of Love.

Part 1 of our Manson Family investigation. The story continues in Part 2.