Who were the main members of the Manson Family?

The Manson Family was a cult and criminal organization led by Charles Manson, which formed in San Francisco in 1967. While the exact number of followers is uncertain, it is believed the group consisted of more than 30 dedicated members, primarily young women from middle-class backgrounds often referred to as the "Manson girls".12

Key members associated with the group's criminal activities include:

• Charles “Tex” Watson: A central figure in the Tate-LaBianca murders who carried out multiple killings under Manson's orders.134
• Susan Atkins: Convicted for her role in the murders of eight people, including Sharon Tate; she died in prison in 2009.13
• Patricia Krenwinkel: A prominent follower who participated in the Tate and LaBianca murders; she remains incarcerated.13
• Leslie Van Houten: Convicted for her involvement in the LaBianca murders; she was released on parole in 2023.14
• Linda Kasabian: Served as a lookout during the Tate murders and was granted immunity for testifying for the prosecution.13
• Steve “Clem” Grogan: Found guilty of murdering stuntman Donald “Shorty” Shea; he was paroled in 1985.13
• Bobby Beausoleil: Involved in the murder of Gary Hinman; he remains incarcerated.13
• Bruce Davis: Convicted for his role in the murder of Donald “Shorty” Shea; he remains incarcerated.13
• Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme: A former member who gained notoriety for her 1975 attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford.12