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Photos:: The Manson murders

Undated staff file photo of Charles Manson handcuffed and being escorted to court.

Undated staff file photo of Charles Manson handcuffed and being escorted to court.  (file photo / Los Angeles Times)

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Charles Manson and other members of his so-called family were convicted of killing actress Sharon Tate and six other people during a bloody rampage in the Los Angeles area during two August nights in 1969. Prosecutors said Manson and his followers were trying to incite a race war that he believed was prophesized in the Beatles’ song “Helter Skelter.”

Manson murders

Spectators wait in hopes of getting seats at the Manson murder trial on July 29, 1970.  (Los Angeles Times)

Manson murders

Manson followers Susan Atkins, left, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten head into a morning court session in 1970. When Manson carved an “X” into his forehead during the trial, his “family” members followed suit.  (Los Angeles Times)

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