Episode 11: Helter Skelter

Helter Skelter

Charles Manson

ACTRESS SHARON TATE FOUND MURDERED headlines screamed on the morning of August 9, 1969. Even more shocking were the details to come and the person behind it all. Charles Manson, a thirty-four year old petite man who had spent more time in jail than out, was charged with those murders and more, eventually convicted and sentenced to death, along with members of his cult. But who was he and why did he lead the followers of his cult to commit the shocking murders on the night of August 8?

In this special Halloween episode, we dive into the family of Charles Manson, first his own wives and children, and then into his family and ancestors. We discuss four overwhelming things in his family line: young wives, large families, and conflict. And stick around for the end where we reveal a surprising historical connection in his family.

The Source: The Gazette (Montreal, Quebec), 9 Aug 1999

Source: Journal Gazette, 8 Jan 2018

Rosalie Jean Willis Handley and son Charles Jay White, aka Charles Milles Manson, Jr.

Source: Find a Grave

From an interview with Kathleen Maddox…

Source: The Pensacola News, 27 Jan 1971

Adron Runyon

Source: Find a Grave

“Candy” Stevens, Manson’s second wife, aka, Leona Musser. This is her senior and junior high school photos respectively.

Source: West High School yearbooks (Denver, CO), 1956 and 1957

Death certificate of Manson’s father, Colonel Scott

Historical marker for “McCager” Frazier

Source: Find a Grave

Orrison Richard Lowe

Source: Find a Grave

Orrison Richard Lowe plaque at the Orrison Richard Lowe Cemetery

Source: Find a Grave

Moses Maynard

Source: Find a Grave

A map of Cline lands.

The baby of Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield died at just 8 months old. This sign has been made in recent years.

Source: Find a Grave