Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
 

Today in History: August 9th, 1969

Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images

Sharon Tate is murdered by Charles Manson cult members

On August 9, 1969, Hollywood was shocked by a horrific crime that would become one of the most infamous in American history. That night, actress Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant, and four others were brutally murdered at her home in Los Angeles. The victims included Sharon Tate, her former boyfriend Jay Sebring, socialite Abigail Folger, film director Voytek Frykowski, and 18-year-old Steven Parent.

Newspaper headline of Sharon Tate's murder.
Daily News front page on August 10, 1969. (Photo Credit: NY Daily News / Getty Images)

The murders were committed by members of the Manson Family, a cult led by Charles Manson. The group, including Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Linda Kasabian, targeted the home in a senseless act of violence. They left behind a scene of horror, with the word “PIG” written in blood on the front door.

Following the murders, the Manson Family was quickly linked to the crime and arrested in October 1969. The case received intense media coverage, and the shocking nature of the crime left the public deeply disturbed. The trial of Charles Manson and his followers further highlighted the disturbing influence of cults and their leaders.

More from us: Steve McQueen Was Supposed to Be at Sharon Tate’s House on the Night of the Manson Murders

Would you like to see more daily historical content from The Vintage News? What if we sent it directly to your inbox every day? Sign up here to receive our daily Today in History posts.

The impact of this tragic event was profound. It marked the end of the seemingly carefree 1960s and left a lasting scar on Hollywood and American culture. Sharon Tate’s death has been the subject of numerous films, books, and documentaries, illustrating its continued significance and the enduring interest in this dark chapter of history.

TVN News Poster

TVN News Poster is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News