What is it about society’s macabre obsession with serial killers? It’s evident in how we consume information. Edison Research reports that 84% of the US population consumes true crime media via podcasts.
We blame Serial. The podcast set off the true crime wave in 2014. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, the subject matter took a deep dive into the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.
There’s no denying that we love a sensational whodunnit plot.
Streamers realized the value of true crime documentaries and jumped on the bandwagon. Following the success of Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, Netflix chose to satiate our thirst with Chaos: The Manson Murders.
The documentary centres on the Manson Family cult and its prolific leader Charles Manson. Despite his death in 2017, questions remain about how one man managed to convince a group of people to embark on a murderous rampage.
Theories abound as criminal profilers and keyboard detectives revisit Manson’s motives.
A Twisted Game
Described as a charismatic character, Charles Manson was known to convince and coerce people into doing anything he wanted.
A type of spiritual narcissist, he used his religious beliefs to gain power and control. Believing he was spiritually superior to others, Manson exploited his spiritual superiority as justification to excuse his harmful actions.
His self-enhancement motive as a spiritual teacher was purely for personal gain and had nothing to do with Manson’s so-called spiritual practices.
His twisted, toxic, and inflated views were so well-orated that he acquired a God-like persona in the eyes of his followers.
You think love-bombing is only weaponized in romantic relationships? Think again. Human potential coach Kamini Wood warns that these types of individuals abuse their influence and power to gaslight those closest to them.
Re-examining Manson’s motives
Errol Morris’s docuseries challenges the long-held belief that Manson orchestrated the murders to incite a race war, a theory known as Helter Skelter.
Instead, according to Fox News, it delves into the possibility that the killings were influenced by external factors.
The CIA’s MK-ULTRA mind control program and the widespread use of LSD during the 1960s counterculture movement were a few theories brought up.
This perspective aligns with discussions in a recent The Guardian article, where Morris reflects on the complexities and uncertainties surrounding Manson’s motivations.
What criminal profilers say
Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole suggests that Manson’s manipulative personality and desire for fame were the primary drivers of his actions.
O’Toole believes the 1960s counterculture, vulnerable youth, and Manson’s charismatic leadership created a “perfect storm” that led to the tragic events.
The enduring interest in Manson has inspired various portrayals in popular culture. David Fincher’s Netflix series Mindhunter delved into the early days of criminal psychology. The series featured interviews with serial killers like Manson to understand their motivations.
Fincher’s approach emphasized empathy and understanding, aiming to explore the complexities of human behavior rather than glorifying the criminals themselves.
During a Time Magazine interview, the Hollywood director reflected on the public’s fascination with true crime and the ethical considerations of depicting such narratives.
Life after infamy
CHAOS: The Manson Murders also touches upon the fates of Manson’s followers, collectively known as the Manson Family.
Over the years, many have wondered about their lives following the murders. A recent People Magazine article provides updates on the whereabouts of Manson’s known children. It sheds light on their struggles with their father’s legacy and their attempts to lead normal lives.
Although many, including Manson, were sentenced to death, California’s Supreme Court invalidated all death sentences before 1972. Linda Kasabian and Mary Brunner received immunity in exchange for their testimonies.
Some of Manson’s followers distanced themselves following their arrests, but a few remained loyal until his death in November 2017.
Kasabian died in January 2023 in Washington at the age of 73. She had two children, one of whom she had while in the Manson family.
Brunner stayed out of the public eye after her release. She was reportedly said to be living in the Midwest.
Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was reportedly living in the Midwest after her release on parole in 2009. She published a memoir in 2018.
Susan Atkins was denied parole multiple times before dying in prison from brain cancer in 2009 at age 61.
Challenging conventional thought
Errol Morris’s documentary, Chaos: The Manson Murders, challenges conventional beliefs about Charles Manson and the tragic events of the 1960s.
By exploring alternative theories, the documentary encourages viewers to rethink their assumptions about this dark chapter in history.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
