Vanessa Richardson

You'll get every episode ad-free, and instead of having to wait for each episode of a two-part series, you'll get access to both at once, plus exciting Crime House bonus content. I'm Vanessa Richardson.

You'll get every episode ad-free, and instead of having to wait for each episode of a two-part series, you'll get access to both at once, plus exciting Crime House bonus content. I'm Vanessa Richardson.

This is the second of two episodes on Charles Manson. Some call him a cult leader, some call him a serial killer. Some wonder if he can even be considered a killer at all, because even though he went to prison for murder, Charles didn't deliver the fatal blow to any of his victims. His followers were his weapon of choice.

This is the second of two episodes on Charles Manson. Some call him a cult leader, some call him a serial killer. Some wonder if he can even be considered a killer at all, because even though he went to prison for murder, Charles didn't deliver the fatal blow to any of his victims. His followers were his weapon of choice.

This is the second of two episodes on Charles Manson. Some call him a cult leader, some call him a serial killer. Some wonder if he can even be considered a killer at all, because even though he went to prison for murder, Charles didn't deliver the fatal blow to any of his victims. His followers were his weapon of choice.

Last time, we went through Charles' early life and the road that led him to form the notorious Manson family cult. Today, we'll follow Charles' obsession with fame, his descent into madness, and the tragic murders that still haunt society today. And as always, we'll be asking the question, what makes a killer?

Last time, we went through Charles' early life and the road that led him to form the notorious Manson family cult. Today, we'll follow Charles' obsession with fame, his descent into madness, and the tragic murders that still haunt society today. And as always, we'll be asking the question, what makes a killer?

Last time, we went through Charles' early life and the road that led him to form the notorious Manson family cult. Today, we'll follow Charles' obsession with fame, his descent into madness, and the tragic murders that still haunt society today. And as always, we'll be asking the question, what makes a killer?

By the time Charles Manson was 32, he'd spent half his life in a correctional facility, from abusive reform schools to federal prisons. He used that time to become an expert manipulator, using psychological techniques, religion, and his natural charisma to bend people to his will.

By the time Charles Manson was 32, he'd spent half his life in a correctional facility, from abusive reform schools to federal prisons. He used that time to become an expert manipulator, using psychological techniques, religion, and his natural charisma to bend people to his will.

By the time Charles Manson was 32, he'd spent half his life in a correctional facility, from abusive reform schools to federal prisons. He used that time to become an expert manipulator, using psychological techniques, religion, and his natural charisma to bend people to his will.

After being released from prison in March 1967, Charles headed for the San Francisco Bay Area, where he started building the cult known as the Manson family. Surrounded by the love and devotion of his followers, he was showered with the attention he'd always wanted. But that wasn't enough for Charles.

After being released from prison in March 1967, Charles headed for the San Francisco Bay Area, where he started building the cult known as the Manson family. Surrounded by the love and devotion of his followers, he was showered with the attention he'd always wanted. But that wasn't enough for Charles.

After being released from prison in March 1967, Charles headed for the San Francisco Bay Area, where he started building the cult known as the Manson family. Surrounded by the love and devotion of his followers, he was showered with the attention he'd always wanted. But that wasn't enough for Charles.

He had big dreams of becoming a famous musician, and that wasn't going to happen in the Bay, so in November 1967, he and a handful of followers bought an old bus and drove it down to LA.

He had big dreams of becoming a famous musician, and that wasn't going to happen in the Bay, so in November 1967, he and a handful of followers bought an old bus and drove it down to LA.

He had big dreams of becoming a famous musician, and that wasn't going to happen in the Bay, so in November 1967, he and a handful of followers bought an old bus and drove it down to LA.

Well, unfortunately for Charles, no amount of self-belief could make up for his lack of musical talent. Even with the backing of his friend, Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson, nobody was willing to give Charles a record deal, including an influential producer named Terry Melcher. His move to L.A. wasn't a total bust, though.

Well, unfortunately for Charles, no amount of self-belief could make up for his lack of musical talent. Even with the backing of his friend, Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson, nobody was willing to give Charles a record deal, including an influential producer named Terry Melcher. His move to L.A. wasn't a total bust, though.

Well, unfortunately for Charles, no amount of self-belief could make up for his lack of musical talent. Even with the backing of his friend, Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson, nobody was willing to give Charles a record deal, including an influential producer named Terry Melcher. His move to L.A. wasn't a total bust, though.