1969 was a "history making" year in America and remains as a definitive year ending the 1960’s in many ways other than…numerically. In spite of this decade being known as the “feel good 1960’s” there was also hate, riots, and even…murder. Murder that was so horrific, so gory, that seasoned Police Officers simultaneously threw up upon first view.

In 1969 California was known as the “Land of Milk and Honey’, the “Golden Coast”, “the place of the never ending sun and surf”, and the Land of Hollywood. In August of 1969 it would be known as the “Land of Murder”. Specifically California in 1969 would show that no one was safe, that innocent people could be randomly butchered in their own homes, and that steel gates and locks were no match for the intentions of a man committed to bringing death to those inside. The “mastermind” behind the murders had a name…Charles Manson.

The summer of 1969 in California was a Mecca bringing together many musical, cultural, and spiritual activities. Drug use was commonplace. Sexual liberation was exploding. Amercia was engaged in the Vietnam War and the site of young Americans dying and returning in “body bags” was a daily occurrence. Civil Rights for minorities were long overdue and Politicians were reacting to decades of injustice. Peace, love, and War were part of the Hippie culture vernacular and “mocking authority” was…in full swing. America was changing and those changes were being propelled by musicians who sang about life, sang about change, sang about love, and sang about death. No where in America was “hotter”, in the current musical scene, than in California in 1969.

Hollywood (California) held endless promises of possibilities, wealth, power, success, and connections. However, many people had come to California (by bus, train, plane, and by hitchhiking) only to discover that life could (in fact) be “hard” in Hollywood. In stead of immediate “entertainment work” many of those who arrived recently soon learned some very hard lessons in life. Many sought “relief” with the aid of the "drugs of their choice". Some just resigned themselves to simply being in "real world no glamour jobs" as doormen, waiters, etc. Some left California, after their money went out or their dreams went unrealized, to return back “home” carrying with them the lessons that not all are welcomed with immediate job offers and/or stardom. Yet many still “chased the dream” always hoping for the "one break" that would free them from their societal chains allowing the World to behold their talents and to have their name “put into lights”.

The ‘unspoken truth” was that there were “two sides” to life in California (and/or “two sides” of the same coin). One side was flush with success, money, power, fashion, travel, health, and the best that life offered. The other side lived “hand to mouth” in full view of those who made “made it”.

In California in 1969 one influential Rocker returned to the stage after years of being sidelined by contractual obligations to star in movies. Just a year earlier, without warning, the “leather clad” Greek God had reclaimed his by appearing in a “TV Special”. This musically gifted, icon, was named…Elvis Aron Presley.

To even put the names “Charles Manson” and “Elvis Presley” into the same “story” is both shocking and…intriguing. In human history one would be hard pressed to find two people who were more…polar opposites. In spite of their “notoriety” never before has the true story been told, in its entirety, about what really occurred in 1969 as it related to “Charles Manson” and “Elvis Presley”. Two sides of the same coin? No. However, fate has a way of bringing together individuals who (on their own) would never have interacted. Thus was the case here as these men would meet and lives would forever be changed including their own.

In summary, in California 1969 Charles Manson was found on the property of Elvis Presley. How he got there, why he got there, and his intent for being there remains…speculative. The fact is that Charles Manson was there, without invitation, and before his name, face, and his actions would repulse a Nation.

When discovered on Elvis’ property Manson was said to have called out the names of people “well known” in “Hollywood’s musical scene”. He also, in between rants of profanity, began to assert that he was a singer/musician himself. At some point he affirmed that he was, and had, “lived there before” (i.e. in the home and on the property). As was customary, when fans or “others” were discovered on the property without notice/permission, the person(s) were (a) removed and (b) informed not to come back. Such was the case when Charles Manson was discovered on the property of Elvis Presley. 

**NOTE: Charles Manson, in several non-specific interviews, told his version of events as follows: I lived in Elvis Presley's house, man. He ran me out of the yard. I got mad at him, I was going to throw some rocks at him, cause I thought he was an idiot, an egotistical fucking punk. I never liked him even a little bit, but everybody else always kow-towed to him because he was rich and everything. But to me that don't mean shit. I don’t give a fuck how rich you are, I'll bust you up anyway.

In 1969 Elvis, for the first time in his life, was married to (the then, now, and always beautiful) Priscilla since May 1, 1967. Nine months after the day they were married (i.e. February 1, 1968) Lisa Marie Presley was born. Elvis now had a wife, a daughter, and (at the age of 34) responsibilities for others who he loved…with all his heart. To those who knew Elvis, and worked for him, nothing was more important than the security (whether it was at Graceland in Memphis Tennessee and/or in Bel Aire California) of Elvis and his beloved family.

In the summer of 1969 many things were “heating up” and not just due to the weather. There was a palatable discontent brewing between the “young” and the “establishment”. Emotions ran high across America as Americans, including children, were witnessing confrontations of the Civil Rights Movement and having to address emotions/events/rights that had been “minimized” for far too long.

The "Cold War" still existed, as it had been for about 20 years now, and problems between Communism and America remained. Extremists like the Black Panthers openly carried automatic weapons in the streets and drug use, from marijuana to heroin, was becoming a daily part of the lives of America's Youth. So many things were changing, at such rapid pace, that if one stopped to ponder one could (literally) feel something…different…something not quite familiar…something…dangerous.

It was in this "societal cocktail" that a Charles Manson, who many confirmed was a mesmerizing man with boundless musical abilities, played on the hopes and fears of susceptible young adults. At the time no one believed that “pure evil” would spawn from the passionate songs written, performed, and originated from one Charles Manson.

Charles Manson was a once promising musician who realized the power wielded by having a powerful “combination” of beautiful women and (seemingly) an endless supply of drugs. Manson used his verbal charms (accompanied by his playing the guitar and singing about society's ills) to lure other “young souls” into his World not defined by borders…but by his words.

In between hits of acid Manson offered the promise of happiness and community and endless sex and drugs. Most of all Charles Manson offered “acceptance, peace, stability, and unconditional love”. People from Texas came. Rich girls came. Cheerleaders came. People from all walks of life came. Under Manson’s guidance, and constant manipulation, all “boundaries” were…removed. Manson aggressively passed around LSD always taking a “lesser amount” so that he remained in full control.

Just as their minds were “primed”, altered by the chemical reactions of the drugs coursing through their veins, Manson would invade their minds, their thoughts, and their sub conscious with his beliefs and his endless stream of words designed to bring them closer to him in every sense.

Time and again Manson would use the words of the Bible, passages selected to substantiate his “beliefs”, and tell this followers (i.e. the “family”) about the forthcoming “end of the World”. Manson believed, and passed along to his “family”, that he and he alone was chosen one to lead his “children” after Armageddon. Manson would start society anew and his “guidance” would allow the “family” to share in his…greatness. Manson knew how to influence others and he used the words contained within the Bible to further his perverted beliefs, words, and actions.

As a child Elvis had been told about evil. Evil deeds that some men do, and then make amends for. Evil that was in the World centuries ago and evil that was in the World today. Evil was not sole custody of the Devil (i.e. Satan) for it had been shown to man since Adam’s “biting of the apple”.

Elvis learned these lessons as they were taught from his Bible that his loving Mother (Gladys) had given to him. Elvis kept this Bible with him as a young man, then as a new singing “act”, then as a World Famous Entertainer, as a young Army Man in Germany, during his movie career, and now in 1969 he had his Bible where he could use it the most…on his nightstand. Most every night that Bible would be opened and Elvis would go through the words, underline passages, question, and repeat the words as he lay in bed repeat the words in a soft voice just so they were barely audible but Elvis did so because it helped him to process, understand, to learn…and to remember.

Charles Manson bounced around Hollywood, and Los Angeles, with his guitar and supply of drugs and beautiful women who would do anything Manson told them (including having sex in public immediately after Manson told them to do so), Manson “landed” at a remote abandoned film set now known as Spahn Ranch. This is where Manson, and his “family”, began to turn the ranch into a compound under the complete control of Charles Manson.

At one point several of the female “family” members were picked up hitchhiking (which was a commonly used by the “youth” in order to “catch a ride” to a specific destination) by Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. The girls made use of Wilson’s generosity of letting the girls use the house, car, food, etc. as he was going out of town. One night when he returned he was met in the driveway by a stranger. Wilson asked “are you going to hurt me?” and the stranger bent down and kissed Dennis Wilson’s feet then introduced himself as Charles Manson and that he had been providing Dennis Wilson with his (i.e. Manson’s) girls and drugs. Wilson welcoming Manson into his house and many times let Manson and the “family” stay there weeks on end, and the party…began.

It wasn't long before Manson was present at parties, through the invitation of Dennis Wilson, of those in the “up and coming” music scene. A relationship developed between Dennis and Manson which also included Manson playing his guitar and original singing songs he had written. Dennis stated that he was “blow away” by Mansons’ talents at which point Manson provided Dennis with beautiful women, who would do anything requested, and (of course) drugs…lots and lots of drugs.

Dennis actually set up, and paid all of the associated “studio costs”, Manson to have come “recording time”. Dennis also introduced Manson to his acquaintances in the entertainment business. Dennis routinely introduced Manson as “a very talented singer and writer that he was working with”. Consistently Dennis began to brag about getting Manson into the music business as he told Manson that he would soon be a…"star" and that he had the connections to ensure Mansons’ success.

The beginning of the 1960’s was “unique” for Elvis. He had just returned Germany and received an honorable discharge from the Army. His beloved Mother had passed away in August of 1958. The woman he thought he would marry when he was drafted was now replaced in his heart by a young American whose Father was in the Military also stationed in Germany. He was unsure about “what was next” whether it was recording, live performances, or movies.

Under the guidance of Colonel Parker Elvis agreed to do a “few pictures” which soon turned into “money making machines” rendering Elvis (contractually) incapable of doing anything else. Soon one picture a year became two then three and the budgets decreasing along with the script quality. The Beatles had overtaken America leaving Elvis (at times) to sing about “doing the Clam” and other “songs” that Elvis detested (but was professional enough to make the best of it).

The torment of years of “settling” in his own career goals and standards had now been replaced with critical acclaim and requests for live appearances. Seven years of “doubt” (self and sometimes public) had been displaced when Elvis “returned” in his 1968 Singer (i.e. known as the “68 Special” and/or the “Comeback Special”) Special. There was no doubt that in 1969 there was no “brighter star” in California, or the World, than Elvis.

Having been in prison previously, for forging a US Treasury check, Manson learned valuable lessons in Prison and Manson believed that what one man told another was "binding" and he lived his life that way. Manson expected others to adhere to what they said as well and it did not matter if the words were said while on an LSD trip or while smoking pot. Manson expected you to do exactly what you said whether you knew it or not was not the point. If you said it to Manson then he held you to your words.

Decades before Elvis, and his Mother, had known the pains of having Vernon Presley serve time for altering a check. However, the lessons that Vernon learned which passed along to Elvis was that Vernon took full responsibility for his actions, did his time, and made restitution. Vernon gave his word to Gladys to, regardless of the circumstances, to never again put their family in Jeopardy. Vernon kept his word to Gladys and Elvis never forgot the importance of doing so.

Dennis Wilson, of the Beach Boys, became enamored with Manson and promised him a meeting with the Manager (who was the son of legendary Actress Doris Day) of the musical group "The Byrd’s" who were an “up and coming hot rock group”. Manson (excitingly) responded with one word…“cool” when hearing about this meeting. Manson realized the ever increasing need to provide money for “the family”. Manson believed that a “musical contract” would provide just such an income along with giving Manson the “forum” to where he could spread his messages…to others.

Charles Manson had distinct tastes in music throughout his childhood. But now, in 1969, Manson had believed that the Beatles had “tuned in” to Manson’s “vibes” and his thoughts and his “words”. Manson believed that the Beatles, in the form of songs on their albums, were responded directly to Manson. Manson shared this belief with every member of the “family”. Words that were penned, and then sang, by Lennon and McCartney found “revised meanings” to Manson (i.e. Armageddon, End of the World, wars between the races, etc.).

What we know of Manson’s musical “tastes” is that he loathed Country music. Surprisingly Manson has openly admitted that he loved Bing Crosby. He liked many rock and roll acts but has said that he did not like Elvis Presley (what impact the fact that Manson was “removed” from Elvis’ property played is unclear but it surely did not “favorably add” to Manson’s like/dislike of Elvis).

Note: In an interview in later years Charles Manson said that “Bing Crosby was a diamond and Elvis Presley was a rhinestone”.

During one of the nights Manson stayed at Dennis’ home Dennis made good on the promise to meet with the “Byrd’s” Manager and his name was Terry Melcher (who was the son of legendary Actress Doris Day). Manson played for Terry, and sang a few original songs, and after a while Terry said that he had to go back to his home and needed a ride. Manson offered to drive him home and Terry agreed. During the ride Manson kept talking about his music and upon arrival to Terry’s home (they had pulled directly in front of the home) Manson stopped the car and said “do we have a deal?” (Meaning was Terry going to sign Manson to a contract). Terry responded by saying “I am going to think it over the next few days”. Terry then opened his door and started to exit the car and then said “have a good night Charlie”. Manson was too deep in thought, as the previous words Terry said were being processed in Mansons’ brain as a “rejection” and Manson did not like rejection, to respond back to Terry at which point Terry said “goodbye” and then walked a few steps to the front door and then entered his home.

Under the darkness of night the dashboard lights illuminated the anguished profile of Manson trying to come to grips with the words “I am going to think it over”. Manson did not understand what there was to “think over” and soon became visibly despondent by not being offered a contract “right then”. Manson reflected upon his relationship with Dennis Wilson, who was close friends with Terry Melcher, and then decided to hold out hopes that Terry would get back with Manson in a few days. Before putting the car into gear, to move from park, Manson looked at the property and repeated the address to himself. He repeated it again out-loud just enough so it was audible. He did this so that he could…remember it.

In response to the demands for live appearances Elvis had signed an agreement to appear in Las Vegas (note: this would be Elvis’ first live appearances in over seven years). Rehearsals for the Vegas shows were going well for Elvis and he was in excellent (physical) shape. He was rested and he was tan and he was in love with his wife and enamored with his baby daughter.

The musicians, and orchestra, that were put together for the Vegas shows were among the “best in the business”. Elvis had already put together his “back bone” (which consisted of drums, bass, lead guitar, piano, etc.) group along with the men’s vocal group (i.e. JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet) and the women’s vocal group (i.e. the Sweet Inspirations) for vocal backups. Elvis also had his friend, going back to his enlistment in the Army, who was also an accomplished musician/singer/gospel artist and his name was Charlie Hodge. The rehearsals were winding down and Elvis felt invigorated. He looked great, he felt great, and his vocal abilities were among the very best of his entire career. Elvis was back on top and he had earned it as he had everything in his life. There were many justified reasons to just…smile.

When Charlie returned back to “the Ranch” (i.e. Spahn Ranch) and told everyone the news about the meeting with the “record manager”. Charlie was in the mood to party but Charlie worried to himself about the financial crisis as he needed money to support “The Family”.  Manson had a lot to think about but he decided to start a party, pass out the drugs, grab the girl of his choice, sing a few songs, and try to let everyone believe that things would work out (as Manson had said would happen) for the “family” with Manson in charge. Manson looked around at his “diverse family”, took a hit of LSD, and looked into the eyes of each family “member” and gave them each…a smile.

Over the next few days Manson called Terry over and over but never spoke with him. Manson did the same to Dennis Wilson with the very same results (i.e. no answer). Each call made Manson more and more upset and a few days later (finally) he reached Dennis Wilson on the phone.

Manson began the conversation by saying “Dennis, you are a hard man to get a hold of”. Manson listened to Dennis’ response but cut him off so that he could ask Dennis the question that had been “eating him up inside now for days”. Manson cleared his throat and asked Dennis “have you heard anything about Terry?” In spite of Dennis Wilson’s assurances of making Manson a “star” Dennis Wilson told Manson the truth and that was that Terry had said “at this time Terry was not interested”. Manson screamed at Dennis over the phone and slammed the phone against a wall while saying “do you know who you are speaking to”?

Note: Manson has stated in several interviews that his involvement with Dennis Wilson included but was not limited to: Dennis Wilson did record a song written by Charles Manson called “Never Learn To Love”. In several interviews during 1980-2009 Charles Manson said that the Beach Boys stole many songs from Charles Manson and in return they “gave” Charles Manson a Rolls Royce and the home that Dennis Wilson was living at. Charles Manson asked for the ownership papers for both and was told that “the Manager holds that and we will get in touch with him to get them for you. Since Charles Manson held everyone literally to the words coming out of their mouth Charles Manson believed that the house, the Rolls Royce, and the legal paperwork was coming and that he owned these possessions valued at several hundred thousand dollars in the late 1960’s. IF this was true it should have provided Manson with the means to readily provide for him and for the “family” that he had been “stressing” about for months).

The serenity of Spahn Ranch (note: Spahn Ranch was an abandoned lot where movies had been made many years ago. The ranch had everything Manson needed; space, buildings, access to water, order, nature, no one to bother him, and about 25 miles from Town), where Manson was living with members of the “family” was shattered by the sounds of Manson screaming and beating the phone against a wall. As Manson leaned against the wall, angered and (he believed) betrayed, Manson decided that there needed to be “lessons taught" to Terry and Dennis and Manson was going to personally teach them…tonight.

Manson called for some of his followers to go with him. Manson went and got his gun and his ammo. Manson went directly to Dennis Wilson’s home with the gun and banged on the front door yelling for “Wilson”. Dennis Wilson was not at home and Manson was told that and asked “if there was a message”? At that point Manson handed the man one (1) bullet and said “give this to Dennis” and stormed out.

Manson then drove to Terry’s house, parked the car, and started to walk down the driveway seeing people to the left by the swimming pool. As he was approaching the swimming pool entry he was stopped and asked who he was? Manson demanded to see Terry. The man that was there, who was photographing a beautiful blonde Hollywood Star (who was in the swimming pool) told Manson “I don’t know any Terry and now the Polanski’s live here”. Manson was perplexed as he had driven Terry to this very house not long ago. The photographer restated his comments again and again as Manson attempted to process the words. Manson then recalled Terry mentioning the property had a “guest house” so Manson went to search it and find Terry. After Manson had searched, without finding neither “hide nor hair” of Terry Manson was escorted Manson off the property and to his car.

Manson got into the car and starred at the beautiful house, landscape, driveway, all the while the photographer was taking photos of the Hollywood Star. Her name was Sharon Tate. This was the second time that Manson was kicked off a property and he made a commitment that never again would this happen.

Manson was in a rage and made a decision that Armageddon needed to start now and he knew that if he could get the “rich establishment” killed, and then frame African Americans by giving the murdered victims personal items (i.e. cash, wallets, jewelry, etc.) to any African American stranger he found on the streets at night. Manson believed that the murders had to be so “dramatic and brutal” that the White “establishment” would “go to War” against the African American community and the Black Panthers never knowing that they were being used in a deadly game written, produced, and directed by Charles Manson (who would then rise up and take charge over the survivors).

Upon his arrival at the compound Manson gave the orders to have ALL of the occupants of the home that “Terry” lived at slaughtered. Manson used the terminology of “Helter Skelter”, which was a song on the current Beatles Album, as Manson wanted the murders to be gruesome and for there to be left “signs” written on the walls using the murdered victims own blood. Words like “PIG” and “Helter Skelter” were found on the walls and some words were actually “carved” into the murdered victim’s bodies. Lastly, Manson gave specific instructions to members of his “family” to make sure that the victims were stabbed, shot, hit, etc. “time and time again until they ran out of bullets and their knife blades had broken in pieces”.

After the initial murders Charles Manson made up a list of people to be killed and mutilated hoping that they would appear to be “random” (i.e. with no ties to Manson and his family). However, many of the victims would be “persons who Charles Manson knew” and some would be “persons that members of “the Family” had met” and others would be “rich” (i.e. celebrities, singers, entertainers, Hollywood, etc. that Charles Manson and “the Family” members called these people…”PIGGIES”) and others would be purely random as if the “family” found them at night alone they would be killed (i.e. wrong place at the wrong time). As the list (to be killed and mutilated) was made there was one person whose name Charles Manson made sure was on the list for several reasons and the primary reason was “personal”. That persons name was Elvis Presley.

When Manson heard from the “family” the details about how the murders were executed he was not happy. Manson said that they had been ‘sloppy”. Manson said that he would personally “handle” the second night of murders so that he could “show them” how to do it…”right” (Note: Manson drove the vehicle on the second night of “planned murder” and Manson parked the car and got out and climbed over the steel gate . Manson entered the property, then tied up a Man and his wife, and then opened up the gate (from the inside) so that the other “family” members could (a) review Mansons’ handiwork and (b) finish the job. After Manson briefly discussed “how it is to be done” he then asked each “family” member if they were “ready”. At this point Manson left and drove the car away leaving the “family” members with no way to leave so after they were done they ate from the fridge, took showers in the home, and then hitchhiked back to the ranch.

When the newspapers released the first reports of the murders Hollywood (and America) was shocked, horrified, upset, scared, and perplexed as to “why”? When the pictures, and the details of what occurred, became known the “why” turned to “anger” and “resolve” to catch these barbarians who murdered innocent men and women.

When Elvis learned of the deaths, as part of the story was relayed to him, he became even more angered/outraged when he learned that one of the victims was Jay Sebring. In Hollywood Elvis had befriended a musician/singer by the name of Johnny Rivers. They were even Motorcycle riding buddies on occasion. Johnny Rivers hair stylist, who he had recommended to Elvis, was named Jay Sebring.

After the second murders were done, with newspapers and a newscast proclaiming that there were no “strong leads” as to who was responsible for these murders and that evidence was “sparse”, Manson began to believe that he would not be caught. Manson called the “family” members together and stated that his plan had worked because it was…destiny. Manson told them that since Armageddon had not yet occurred (i.e. a race War had not taken into the streets and people openly killing each other) they would have to make a “list” of celebrities to be killed and butchered like the rest. Manson had the motivation, the desire, the weapons, the list, access to their homes, and a “family” who had proven itself “ready willing and able’ to kill for him anytime…on demand. Manson would bring Armageddon to the streets of California and then America and he believed he would not be stopped.

Manson became “excited” to see the news broadcasts about the murders and he asked that every local, and national, newspaper be bought several times a day. Manson called upon his “entertainment connections” to ask if they knew anything. With each “heartfelt scared response” that people shared with Manson he became more embolden and he laughed at their fright. Manson took pleasure in the slaughter of these PIGGIES.

On morning Charles Manson was going over the details of those on the “list” and he became more excited as he read the names on the list. The day’s newspaper had arrived and Manson immediately called everyone around the table as Manson started to real aloud the status on the murder investigation.

While going through the various sections Charles Manson became more and more “bolden” about his success. But, after reaching the “entertainment section” Manson’s demeanor and facial expression changed into “emboldens anger”. Manson screamed wildly and slammed the newspaper down on the table. Then he picked it up shaking it in the air while screaming “look at this…look at this”! Finally, Manson set the paper down on the table and unfolded the entertainment section pointing to a specific article. The article was entitled “Elvis Presley arrives in Las Vegas - all shows are SOLD OUT”.

Within a few months Charles Manson, and members of “the Family”, would be arrested and their faces splashed across TV sets, and newspapers, nationwide. The horror of what they did, and what they believed, caused great unrest in America in 1969 and consumed residents of California in 1969 and each year thereafter.

A few months after the Charles Manson Murders Elvis Presley was threatened with being murdered. A letter had been delivered to Colonel Parker saying that Elvis would be killed. Another threat was made at the Hotel Elvis was performing at. The Colonel notified the FBI and every precaution was taken. As Elvis confided to his friend from his hometown Memphis, named Sonny West, that he (Elvis) had a fear of someone shooting and killing him for no reason. Elvis actually broke down and cried in the dressing room. He then called in Red, and Jerry Schilling, (note: they were part of the Memphis Mafia and were part of Elvis Bodyguards) into the room and said, "I haven't done anything to anybody to get shot. I haven't hurt anybody. If some SOB tries to kill me, I want you guys to get him; and I want him done up right. I don't want him sitting around like Charles Manson, with a grin on his face or a claim to fame that he killed Elvis Presley”.

Whether this threat was linked directly, or not, by Charles Manson and/or any member of his “Family” we do not know. There was the possibility that one of the “Family” members, who had decided to run away from Charles Manson for these murders, knew firsthand who was on the list. This person may have taken steps to notify those on the list (directly and/or indirectly). As of the date of this story (i.e. September 12, 2009) the case details remain “unsolved”.

Worth noting is that since the murders occurred Elvis had taken steps to procure guns both in Memphis and in California. Since Tennessee had a Law prohibiting citizens from openly carrying guns Elvis had been appointed a “Special Deputy” and was given a Badge. This event (i.e. the Charles Manson Murders) propelled Elvis’ desire for guns and police badges and would one day bring him to Washington DC (unannounced) to obtain a Federal Narcotics Badge from President Richard Nixon with the photographs becoming…infamous.

The individuals, who were murdered, at the direction/instruction of Charles Manson, were:  On August 9, 1969 these innocent people were slaughtered at the direction of Charles Manson. They were 18 year old Steven Parent, Wojciech Frykowski, Jay Sebring, Abigail_Folger, and Sharon Tate. The following night (i.e. August 10, 1969) Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary LaBianca were murdered.

Life, for many, went on only after many tears were shed over the lives that were taken. Time, subject to the familiar narrative, does not “heal all wounds”. Nonetheless I, personally, pray that God allows the relatives, friends, loved ones, etc. of the victims to have some type of “peace” and to give them the “strength” to remember the good times and to put their faith (always) in God’s hands.

We may ask “why” it is that a “man” like Charles Manson is allowed to “live” while a remarkable decent honest caring man, like Elvis Presley, is taken from us at the age of 42. However, we must resign ourselves that many questions we have will remain…unanswered. Such is one of lifes’ lessons. Answers and questions, life and death …two sides of the same coin.

Probably the most “famous” individual that was murdered by Charles Manson’s Family was (actress) Sharon Tate who was living at the home that “Terry” had previously (note: he had moved out a few weeks prior). Sharon Tate was married to respected filmmaker Roman Polanski. Sharon Tate was 8 months pregnant when she was murdered. The child died (sadly) as well. Needless to say, Roman Polanski was devastated that he had now lost his wife and his child. The pain must have been…unbearable.

Many years later, by the grace of God, Roman Polanski found love and married. Polanski’s wife became pregnant and bore a healthy son. Death bequeaths Life and vice versa. Two sides of the same coin. His son was named after his Father (i.e. Roman Polanski) favorite singer. Roman Polanski proudly bestowed the name upon his son. The name was…Elvis.

Written by Jeff Schrembs 2011 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED