I've pretty much read almost every book about the case except 5 To Die, and until recently Paul Watkins book but thanks to Col Scotts blog ive now read that too. Oh yea, i also never read Bill Nelsons first book, the one about Tex. Im sure theres a couple of others, but not many. I'm really hoping Gypsy comes out with her much talked about book, or Barbara Hoyt. Or wouldnt it be a blast if Grogan wrote one? He served his time so cant be arrested again for the murder of Shea. I dont know if he'd be able to discuss going back to the Tate house the night of the murders.
I got into the case when i was about 18 and read Helter Skelter and then the family. At the time i was into the whole hippy thing and for some reason the whole hippy-killer thing really freaked me out. (BTW since then ive pretty much grown to hate hippies, not the original ones but 80's hippies? c'mon!) Then i read The Family and started to wonder what ever happened to all the members of the family. It wasnt til years later that i found Nelsons second book and for someone like me it was just perfect, giving updates to a lot of family members and such. I also then checked out his website. i was still new to the internet and never really thought to look up manson related stuff. but anyhow, his site also blew me away. From there i found plenty of other sites and here i am today. Am i an expert on the case? Far from it. But like Col Scott says I've probably forgot more about this case then most people will ever know.
My take on the motives? Well, that changes. But overall i dont believe the whole helter skelter thing. I do believe it played some small part of things, maybe more for the girls then the men. I think drugs and robbery played a much bigger part at least at the Tate house. I also believe they didnt think Sharon Tate would be there. I do believe totally that Manson and several members went to the Tate house that night after the murders and i believe that there is evidence to prove that. As for the Labianca murders, even more confusing. A mafia hit? To me it seems unlikely but who knows? If you believe Paul Watkins in his book, it sound more possible. Add that to the fact of Mansons friendships with mobsters in jail and it looks even more possible. I just think at that time the mafia was was totally different then it is now. Why hire some hippy commune (or should i say slippy commune?) to do something that serious. If that was the case i think the mob would have then taken out Manson and anyone else who knew they were behind it once it became front page news. Can I offer a better motive? No. But it is what it is.
Now for my opinions on the jailed (and some of the non jailed) members of the family.
Manson- Does he belong in jail? Probably, but i do think he was kind of railroaded to get there. Do i really believe he likes it there? Hell no! I think he's adapted to it and maybe in some way was/is used to it, but i dont think he wants to be there. I do often wonder though why he wasnt back in jail before the murders. He had several other ex cons stay with the family at various times. Isnt that alone a reason he could've been sent to jail? Banging underage girls, surrounded by drugs and using drugs. I mean peoples paroles have been reversed for less. But i gotta say after seeing so many interviews, he really comes off as someone who mustve been a panic to hang with sometimes. His interview with Jeraldo, and Charles manson superstar are two of my favorites.
Atkins- i just dont trust born again christians, ever notice how many ex cult members become born again? weak minded, self rightous, blah. Now that she has one leg and a limited time left to life i guess theres a small part of me that feels sorry for her.
Tex- let him rot.
Bruce Davis- i really think he is still hiding things. i mean we all know all hes guilty of is pretty much giving Shea a paper cut. But seriously i think hes another bullshit artist
Van Houten- Although i respect her not pretending to be born again, i think she still is a bullshit artist who doesnt own up to her crimes. For years it looked like she might get out but im not so sure of that anymore.
Pat- Well, here we go...this is the one person who i really do believe feels remorse. Not cause she got caught but i believe she's for real. She owns up to what she did, doesnt hide behind christ. and although part of her blames Manson, she doesnt hide behind that. Unfortunately though her participation was so extreme that she's probably where she belongs. I also dont think she was quite as ugly as has been stated. Theres some pics of her where she looks kind of cute. And again, depending who you believe Manson wasnt the only one who banged her and the whole hairy thing seems debatable too.
Steve Grogan- Wow, isnt it wild that hes a free man. nothin in this case has blown me away recently like the update on him from Brets site. For some reason he was one of the members im most interested in. If i could meet one member of the old family to interview it would be him.
Gypsy- i think she is a total bullshit artist. Also I think back in the day she was hot. i saw a lot of of comments written by people who no one knows what they look like about how ugly she was but like i said please put up your pictures and let the public decide. SEe the scene in Inside The Manson Gang when she showers or when she's dancing wildly out in the field.
Ella Jo Bailey- From the very few pictures ive seen looks like one of the hotter members of the family.
Anyhow im bored of writing
typo's and all,
Andy
