Editing Susan Atkins (section)

==Tate/LaBianca murders==
On the evening of August 9<sup>th</sup>, 1969, Manson gathered Atkins, [[Linda Kasabian]], and [[Patricia Krenwinkel]] in front of Spahn's Ranch and told them to go with [[Charles "Tex" Watson]] and do as they were told.

Five people were murdered at the Beverly Hills home where [[Roman Polanski]] and Sharon Tate lived: Tate (who was eight months pregnant), Steven Parent, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, and Abigail Folger. Polanski was in Europe finishing work on a film project.

Atkins had stabbed Tate knowing that she was pregnant. She later stated at her trial that she had stabbed Tate because she was "sick of listening to her, pleading and begging, begging and pleading". Forensic evidence indicated that the murders were brutal. Just prior to leaving the residence, Atkins wrote "PIG" on the front door in Sharon Tate's blood.

The following night, August 10<sup>th</sup>, 1969, Manson commented that the murders at the Tate residence had been too messy and announced he'd have to take his followers out and "show them how it's done". Manson called Atkins, Krenwinkel, Watson, Linda Kasabian, [[Leslie Van Houten]], and [[Steve "Clem" Grogan]], and they left Spahn's Ranch. Driving most of the night, he eventually found the home of grocery store owner Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary in Loz Feliz, a section of northeastern Los Angeles. Manson and Watson entered the home and tied the couple up at gunpoint, winning their compliance by convincing them they were only going to be robbed. He then went back to the car and sent Krenwinkel and Van Houten inside to do as Tex said, once again directing them to leave writings in blood, and to hitchhike back to Spahn's Ranch.