When the connection was finally made between the Family and the Tate/LaBiance murders, Manson and several other members of the Family had already been arrested for auto theft. No suspicion was placed upon the Family until member Susan Atkins’ cell-mate informed the LAPD that Atkins had boasted in great detail about the murders. She also stated other people the Family planned on killing.

Once the connection had been made, police matched fingerprints to various members of the Manson Family. Acting on a newspaper publishing of Atkin’s “confession,” the local ABC television crew located and recovered bloody clothing discarded by the members involved in the Tate murders. The trial began on June 15, 1970. Manson, as well as a few other selected members of the family, were charged with seven counts of murder, as well as one of conspiracy. On the first day of the trial, Manson entered the courtroom with a bloody swastika carved into his forehead. Within the next few days, the other members of the Family had duplicated the mark. The prosecution’s main motive was Manson’s concept of “Helter Skelter.” Family member Linda Kasabian became the main witness against Manson, making a deal as she didn’t participate in any of the murders. She testified to the jury the details of the killings, as well as Manson’s unnatural control over the Family. She tied in Mason to the murders themselves by simply recalling Manson announcing “now is the time for Helter Skelter” before sending the members off to perform the killings.

The trial was filled with disruptions, causing it to be drawn out for nine and a half months. Manson was repeatedly banned from the courtroom for his countless outbursts. His attorney, Irving Kanarek, was held in contempt three times. By the third day, he had made over 200 objections. Family members gathered outside of the courtroom, legally carrying hunting knives in plain view.

Manson himself testified, and was the only defendant to do so Manson himself testified, and was the only defendant to do so. During his testimony, the jury was removed. His testimony lasted well over an hour, refusing to take blame for any of the actions taken. “The music is telling the youth to rise up against the establishment.” “Why blame it on me? O didn’t write the music.” “My father is the jailhouse. My father is your system. . . I am only what you made me. I am only a reflection of you.”

“I have killed no one and I have ordered no one to be killed “I have killed no one and I have ordered no one to be killed. I may have implied on several different occasions to several   different people that I may have been Jesus Christ, but I haven't decided yet what I am or who I am.” “These children that come at you with knives. they are your children. You taught them. I didn't teach them. I just tried to help them stand up. . . . ” The jury found Manson guilty of all counts on January 25, 1971. Other Family members tried to intervene by claiming it was their idea, but the jury bought none of it.

During the penalty faze, Manson shaved his head and trimmed his beard, claiming: "I am the Devil, and the Devil always has a bald head.“ The female members of the family then preceded to shave their own heads. On March 29, 1971, Manson was sentenced to death by gas. This was reduced to life in prison when California dropped the death penalty that year. Manson is currently held at Corcoran State Prison. He is often kept in isolation, because of threats as well as attempts on his life. In his time in prison he has been beaten, poisoned, raped, and set on fire. Charles Manson is currently 76.

Song: Honey Pie Lyric: Oh, honey pie, my position is tragic/ Come and show me the magic/ Of your Hollywood song Manson: The Beatles know Jesus (Manson) is back on earth, and they want him to write a song to set of Helter Skelter. Song: Blackbird Lyric: Blackbird singing in the dead of night/ Take these broken wings and learn to fly/ All your life/ You were only waiting for this moment to arise. Manson: Black people will arise and overthrow whites. The Beatles are trying to tell the black people to rise. Paul McCartney later admitted that the intended meaning of the song was in fact about racial struggle. Song: Helter Skelter Lyric: Look out... Helter Skelter... She's coming down fast... Yes she is. Manson: Helter Slelter is imminent. The Family mist prepare.

Revolution 9 was the most significant song according to Manson Revolution 9 was the most significant song according to Manson. The song has no lyrics, and is a collage of audio clips over eight minutes long. Most of what is heard in the song that can be put to words has not been interpreted. Manson heard oinking of pigs (who he believed represented industry and the white man’s world), gunfire, as well as the repeated use of the word “rise.” He also believed that the title was a reference to the corresponding book/chapter in the Bible, and he often included passages from it in his teachings. Manson also believed he heard the Beatles whispering “Charlie, Charlie, send us a telegram.” This prompted Manson to attempt to contact the Beatles on multiple occasions.

Works Cited Charles Manson Trial: 1970-71 http://law.jrank.org/pages/3206/Charles-Manson-Trial-1970-71.html The Bizarre Case of Mass Murderer Charles Manson, Chester D. Campbell http://lifeloom.com/II2Campbell.htm Charles Manson and the Tate and LaBianca Murders, Charles Montaldo http://crime.about.com/od/murder/p/charliemanson3.htm Testimony of Charles Manson http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/manson/mansontestimony-m.html