NBC News Archives Marks 50th Anniversary of Manson Family Murders

In August of 1969, members of the Manson Family would commit two of the most notorious murders of the 1960s.

On August 8, followers of Charles Manson set out for Beverly Hills, where they murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others at her home on Cielo Drive. The next night, Manson and company set back out, killing Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in Los Feliz.

Five months passed before the Manson Family was connected to the crimes. When the Tate-LaBianca trials finally began, the proceedings were marked by wild outbursts on the part of the Manson Family—followers camped outside the courtroom, shaved their heads, and carved Xs into their foreheads as an act of allegiance. Manson tried to attack the judge. Finally, after nine long months, all were convicted of their crimes.

In advance of the 50th anniversary of this infamous historical episode, NBC News Archives has assembled a collection of news coverage surrounding the event and subsequent trial.