Caught, Charged, Convicted

Part two of  the 1976 original movie "Helter Skelter" follows the investigation into the Tate-LaBianca murders. Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi is assigned to the case and starts forming his own investigation trying to find witnesses and prove Charles Manson was responsible. The only true success the police have had is arresting Susan Atkins for the murder of Gary Hinman. While in prison, Susan speaks about all the other murders with another inmate, Ronnie Howard, who then turns and tells the police of what she confessed. Vincent is ready to charge Manson but can't due to not having enough evidence. He hopes to find more evidence to arrest Manson and prove he ordered his followers to committ these murders. He speaks to members of Manson's "family" and finds out that these members think of him as Jesus Christ and that he is Love. He finds out that Manson preached about believing Helter Skelter to be an impending apocalyptic race war and the murders that were committed were going to start the war. Manson took the term from The Beatles hit song, Helter Skelter.

Successfully, evidence such as fingerprints, bloody clothing, the knife, and the gun had been found. The evidence was taken to the grand jury and the following indictments were issued. Leslie Van Houten was charged with two counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Linda Kasabian were charged with seven counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to committ murder. Now, Vincent had enough to arrest Manson and he can now work on his case. Charles Manson was finally charged with seven counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to committ murder. Laura Kasabian decides to testify against Manson to recieve immunity. Actually, Vincent finds out she didn't have anything to do with committing the murders. She only tagged along to drive the car.

On June 15, 1970, the trial against Manson and his "family" begins. Prosecutor Bugliosi calls Laura Kasabian to the stand to testify. It was very hard for her but Laura starts describing the gruesome events of the murders of each victim. She gives details of all the horrific stabbings and the heartless shootings. During the trial, Manson and the three women on trial are very disruptive and shout out every chance they get to try and get a mistrial but it doesn't work. The trial goes on. After 14 months of trial and hearing all the testimony, the jury finds all the defendants, including Charles Manson guilty on all counts being charged against them. They were all sentenced to the death penalty but since California banned the death penalty, they all received life in prison. Charles Manson is still in prison as of today and has been denied parole eleven times. He is 74 years old and will be able to re-apply for eligibility of parole sometime this year in 2012.

Part documentary, part thriller, part drama, part horror film, and ALL true -- "Helter Skelter" is a true nail-biter.

Lizzy   =)