Once discharged from prison , Manson began attracting a group of followers , mostly young women , from around California . They were later dubbed the " Manson Family " . The group was involved in the murder of Gary Hinman in July 1969 , then gained national notoriety after the murder of actress Sharon Tate and four others in her home on August 8 and 9 , 1969 , and Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the next day . Tex Watson and three other members of the Family executed the Tate-LaBianca murders , acting under Manson 's specific instructions . Family members were also responsible for other assaults , thefts , crimes , and the attempted assassination of United States President Gerald Ford in Sacramento by Lynette " Squeaky " Fromme
murder of actress Sharon Tate
Tate murders
Charles Manson