Charles Manson was the infamous leader of a cult known as the Manson Family, which gained notoriety in the late 1960s for a series of brutal murders. He was born in 1934 and experienced a troubled childhood, leading him to a life of crime. Manson's ideology combined elements of apocalyptic prophecy, social upheaval, and a unique interpretation of the Beatles' music. He believed that a race war, which he termed "Helter Skelter," was imminent and sought to incite it through violent acts. The most infamous crime committed by Manson and his followers was the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, where actress Sharon Tate and several others were brutally killed. These events shocked the nation, illustrating the extreme lengths Manson would go to fulfill his apocalyptic visions. The subsequent trial brought extensive media coverage, further solidifying Manson's disturbing legacy in American criminal history. Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, leading to a life sentence. Despite his conviction, he maintained a significant presence in popular culture, often seen as a symbol of 1960s counterculture gone awry. Manson died in 2017, leaving behind a controversial legacy that continues to intrigue and horrify society. Charles Manson was born in 1934 and had a tumultuous childhood that set the stage for his later criminal activities. He emerged as the leader of a group known as the Manson Family, which was involved in horrific murders during the late 1960s. Manson's ideology was a blend of apocalyptic beliefs and a distorting view on societal issues, heavily influenced by music, particularly the Beatles. He believed in an impending race war and sought to incite violence as part of his prophecy. The most notorious crime attributed to Manson was the series of murders in 1969, including that of actress Sharon Tate. Convicted of murder, Manson spent the rest of his life in prison until his death in 2017, leaving behind a controversial and chilling legacy.