Crime Central: Charles ‘Tex’ Watson (The Manson Family)
He has spent over 50 years in prison for the most heinous murders committed by himself and his fellow cultists, but let’s take a quick look at the facts surrounding Charles ‘Tex’ Watson…
Charles Denton “Tex” Watson, born on December 2, 1945, in Farmersville, Texas, spent his formative years in the small town of Copeville. He grew up in a relatively stable family environment, being the youngest of three siblings, and was raised in a religious household. Watson’s academic achievements were notable as he excelled in school, becoming an honor student and displaying leadership skills as the editor of the school paper. Additionally, he demonstrated athletic prowess by serving as the captain of the football team and even setting a state record for the low hurdles at Farmersville High School.
Following his graduation from high school, Watson enrolled at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1964. Initially pursuing a pre-law degree, he showcased his charm and intelligence, earning membership in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. However, his path took a different turn as he began experimenting with drugs, including LSD and other substances.
In 1967, Watson made the decision to leave college behind and embarked on a journey to California, seeking a change of lifestyle and fresh experiences. He found employment as a baggage handler at Braniff International in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Utilizing free airline tickets, Watson had the opportunity to travel and visit a fraternity brother in Los Angeles. It was during this time that he became captivated by the psychedelic and music scene of the late 1960s.
During his travels, Watson had a chance encounter that would prove pivotal. He picked up hitchhiker Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and offered him a ride to Wilson’s residence. Little did Watson know that this encounter would introduce him to the Manson Family, as they resided with Wilson. The connection formed, and Watson became involved in the activities of the Manson cult.
In December 1968, Watson chose to distance himself from the Manson Family, opting for a new path. He became romantically involved with a woman involved in the distribution of marijuana and LSD, catering to their social circle. Together, they settled into a relatively ordinary life in Hollywood, continuing their clandestine activities. However, Watson’s restlessness and desire for something more eventually drew him back to the Manson Family.
Following Manson’s orders to gather funds for the anticipated “Helter Skelter,” Watson devised a scheme to steal money from his partner’s acquaintance, Bernard Crowe. Unexpectedly, Crowe contacted the Manson Family’s residence, threatening harm unless the money was returned. Manson, utilizing the same firearm that Watson would later employ in a horrific manner, shot Crowe in the abdomen. This incident foreshadowed the violent actions that Watson himself would carry out in the very near future.
Upon rejoining the Manson Family, Charles “Tex” Watson assumed a position of significant influence within the group, quickly gaining Manson’s unwavering trust and loyalty. His role in carrying out the violent orders issued by Manson was particularly prominent.
On the evening of August 8, 1969, acting on Manson’s orders, Watson led Susan Atkins, Linda Kasabian, and Patricia Krenwinkel to the residence at 10050 Cielo Drive, which belonged to Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate. Armed with a gun and a knife, they entered the house and in a deeply disturbing act, they took the lives of Tate, who was eight months pregnant and all three other individuals present inside the house (Abigail Folger, Jay Sebring and Wojciech Frykowski), along with Steven Parent in the driveway. The brutality of the crimes was evidenced by the horrifying number of stab wounds inflicted, particularly the staggering count of 28 wounds on Abigail Folger.
As if the grotesque acts committed at the Tate residence were not enough, Manson directed Watson and the others to perpetrate another round of killings the following night. Watson, accompanied by six other individuals including Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten, made their way to the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. According to Watson’s account detailed in his book “Will You Die For Me?,” Manson held the occupants at gunpoint while Watson bound them and then Just as the night before the couple were subjected to a merciless stabbing until they were both dead.
In October 1969, Watson, along with other members of the Manson Family, was apprehended and taken into custody for his role in the murders. In 1971, he was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges related to the Tate-LaBianca crimes. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later changed to life imprisonment after the California Supreme Court invalidated the state’s death penalty statute in 1972. Despite several parole hearings, Watson has been denied release and remains incarcerated, serving his life sentence.
Tex Watson’s participation in the Manson Family and his central role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders have had a profound and enduring impact on both criminal history and popular culture. This case stands as one of the most infamous instances of violence associated with a cult in the United States today.
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