Charles Manson Research Paper

Charles Manson, a notorious serial killer and cult leader, once said “Death is the greatest form of love.” This statement is a good representation of the mindset Manson had while he committed horrific crimes. Certain words such as this caused numerous people to follow Manson in his immoral teachings. To attempt to understand who he was, it is important to review his childhood, the Manson “family”, the murders they committed, the trial and punishments, and the reasons he committed those crimes. Manson’s childhood would later drive him to become the famous killer and cult leader he is known as today. The events that occurred in Manson’s childhood could have played a role in the crimes he would later commit. On November 12, 1934, sixteen-year-old

These factors led to the criminal activities Manson often performed in his childhood. Kathleen moved frequently and often left Charles behind. Manson’s mother was imprisoned for burglary leaving him to be cared for by relatives (“Charles Manson”). The behaviors that Manson’s mother exhibited during his childhood set a poor example for a young boy. Manson spent a majority of his childhood stealing and was caught stealing on multiple occasions. He escaped numerous reform schools and survived by committing robberies (Petersen 1). Manson’s mother finally gave up on her responsibilities completely. This left Manson in the care of numerous boys’ homes (Steffens and Staples

This trial is widely known as the Tate-LaBianca murders. The family members tried included Charles Manson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten (Steffens and Staples 60). The trial of these murders was the longest, taking nine months to complete, and costliest trial in American history (Watson 38-40). This trial was a highlighted media event. The crimes that the Manson family committed soon became a nation wide fascination (Steffens and Staples 12). Charles Manson was represented by Irving Kanarek, while Vincent Bugliosi was the prosecuting attorney (Steffens and Staples 60). As the trial progressed, Manson would do anything he could to derail the trial. He would often shout at witnesses, curse at the judge, and argue with the bailiffs. Judge Older kept a strong hand and did not allow Manson’s actions to derail any part of the trial (Steffens and Staples