Ep 2. Manson Family Murders

In episode 2 of season 2 of People Magazine Investigates: Cults, the focus is on one of the most notorious cults in history - the Manson Family. The episode is titled "Manson Family Murders" and delves into the gruesome events of August 1969, when members of the cult carried out a series of brutal murders in and around Los Angeles.

The episode opens with a brief history of Manson and his followers, tracing their origins back to the 1960s counterculture movement. Viewers will be introduced to key members of the Manson Family, including Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten, and learn about their involvement in the murders.

With the help of journalists, former Manson family members, and law enforcement officials, the episode unravels the twisted motivations behind the murders. Despite popular belief, the Manson Family wasn't solely motivated by a desire to spark a race war - they were also deeply entrenched in hallucinogenic drug use and a quasi-religious ideology that centered around Manson as a Messiah figure.

Viewers will hear firsthand accounts from survivors of the attacks, including Sharon Tate's sister Debra Tate, who has spent the past several decades devoted to keeping the memory of her sister alive and advocating for victims' rights. Additionally, the episode will explore the role that the media played in shaping the public perception of the Manson Family and their crimes, including the way that Manson was portrayed as a "hippie guru" and his followers as brainwashed zombies.

As the episode progresses, viewers will learn about the investigations and trials that followed the murders. They'll hear from lawyers and prosecutors who worked on the case and get a sense of what it was like to try and convict some of the most notorious killers in American history.

Ultimately, "Manson Family Murders" is a chilling reminder of the power that charismatic leaders can wield over vulnerable people. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of groupthink, substance abuse, and the need to belong - and a reminder that even the most seemingly ordinary individuals can be capable of unspeakable acts when put under the influence of a toxic ideology.