Manson+And+Family+KC

1. Is Charles Manson a serial killer? From information presented by the Charles Manson documentary, Charles Manson and the family house members can be classified as serial killers. Specifically, Charles Manson, the leader of the Manson family, is accused of planning and arranging the brutal Tate/LaBianca murders. Although he was not present at the scenes of the crimes, the actions taken by family members were based upon Manson’s instruction. Undoubtedly, Manson controlled his family, urging them to meet his standards by whatever means possible. Exposed to crime, abandonment, and sexual and physical abuse from an early age, Manson transformed into a criminal mastermind, as he enticed his followers to undergo ritualistic killings. Essentially, Manson lived vicariously through his house members, directly influencing the Tate/LaBianca homicides. 2. Are family house members serial killers? Although greatly influenced by Manson’s wishes, the family house members did not have to follow Manson’s orders. Some members willingly participated in the murder schemes, yearning to prove their devotion to Manson. Without reason, family house members brutally murdered innocent people. They allowed themselves to be controlled and manipulated by Manson, committing the dreadful acts he yearned to commit. In observing qualities of the house members, they each expressed a loneliness of emptiness in their childhood, seeking someone to love and care for them. Members felt as though they served a purpose, as Manson accepted them into his family. Nevertheless, Manson utilized his power to manipulate and corrupt his followers, who mirrored the actions and qualities of their leader. Thus, members of the family can be considered serial killers as well, willfully murdering more than eight individuals. 3. Do they all deserve the death penalty? Although I am not in support of the death penalty, I believe each member does, however, deserve severe punishment, specifically life in prison. Each knowingly conspired to killing innocent persons, participating in several ritualistic killings. Although Manson did not physically participate in the Tate/LaBianca murders, he utilized his power and control dangerously, persuading his followers to satisfy personal wants. The family, in turn, followed Manson’s requests, choosing to commit these illegal acts. Both parties deserve to be penalized, serving life sentences without the opportunity of parole.

Notes from Video: -History of crime in family, mother charged for shoplifting/prostitution/ Manson spent periods of time and assorted lovers around Midwest, placed in Gebault School for boys→abandoned by mother and ran away from various schools (armed robbery)/ Sexual abuse occurring in several institutions -Been in jail for almost all of his life/ developed philosophy from experiences in jail -Maintained control of his people with drugs as well (drug programming, with him as focal point at all times (acid)) -Anti-social personality and very adaptable/sized up people very clearly and very accurately/ Manson utilized his control very well -Manson intrigued family to kill innocent bystanders -Manson wanted all persons to “get their hands dirty” --Ritualistic killing practiced, followers would write words on walls that would leave them remembered --Followers’ parents divorced, desperately seeking to fill a void -- Followers felt it was easy to talk to Manson, felt loved by him --Charley would entice male followers with beautiful women --Some followers knew there would be killing and wished to prove their acceptance of Manson --“The more you kill the better you like it.” Trial for murders June 15, 1970/ Manson was in complete control of the defense. Manson was used as circumstantial evidence. He was never in fact present at the scene of the crime. --Manson would tell followers to perform certain ways in court --Jury found each defendant guilty of murder in the first degree He encouraged