Episode Details

Welcome back to Crime Time Inc. In episode 25 of our Charles Manson series, we dive into the dramatic events of the Manson Family trial in November 1970. This episode covers the electrifying proceedings inside Department 104 of the Los Angeles Superior Court, including the unexpected testimonies of Manson's female followers and the disappearance of defense attorney Ronald Hughes. We discuss Manson's bizarre monologue and failed escape attempt, the defense's convoluted strategies, and Prosecutor Vincent Buliosi's final argument. Tune in as we unravel the courtroom chaos and the pivotal moments that defined one of America's most notorious trials.

00:00 Introduction to the Charles Manson Trial

00:54 The Defendants' Rebellion

03:46 Manson Takes the Stand

09:33 Ronald Hughes' Mysterious Disappearance

15:00 Courtroom Chaos and Disruptions

18:15 Manson's Escape Attempt

26:52 Defense Strategies Unfold

35:49 Prosecution's Final Argument

37:33 Buliosi's Counterarguments to Kanarek

41:45 Addressing the "Robot" Defense

42:21 The Defendants' True Nature

43:38 Linda Kasabian's Testimony

44:58 Summarizing the Evidence

45:39 Helter Skelter Motive

46:09 Buliosi's Powerful Conclusion

49:32 Jury Deliberations Begin

51:26 Expert Analysis: Courtroom Chaos

51:50 Reflections on Judicial Control

56:18 Defense Tactics and Courtroom Drama

01:03:58 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Verdict

Tom Wood is a former murder squad detective and Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police in Scotland. Tom worked on many high profile murder cases including Robert Black, Peter Tobin and was part of the team investigating The World’s End Murders from day one until 37 years later when the culprit, Angus Sinclair was finally convicted. Tom was latterly the detective in overall charge of The World’s End murder investigation. 

Tom is now retired from the Police and is a successful author.

Tom Wood's Books

 Ruxton: The First Modern Murder https://amzn.eu/d/25k8KqG

The World's End Murders: The Inside Story https://amzn.eu/d/5U9nLoP

Simon is a retired Police Officer and the best selling author of The Ten Percent, https://amzn.eu/d/5trz6bs a memoir consisting of

stories from the first part of his career as a police officer. From joining in 1978,

being posted in Campbeltown in Argylll, becoming a detective on the Isle of

Bute, Scotland, through to the Serious Crime Squad and working in the busy Glasgow

station in Govan.

#CharlesManson,

#MansonMurders,

#truecrimepodcast,

#helterskelter,

#CrimeHistory,

Further reading on Charles Manson which helped influence this podcast:

Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry

Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill

About Crime Time Inc.

Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.

This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.

Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.

Two crime worlds. One podcast.

New episodes released regularly throughout the season.

Our Website: https://crimetimei