Video: 'American Justice - The Manson Family Murders' (Oct. 12, 1969, at 7:09)

(Sunday, October 12, 1969, approximately 6:30 p.m. PDT) — Charles Manson, 34, an American criminal and cult leader who formed what became known as the Manson Family, a quasi-commune based in California and linked to at least nine murders at four locations in July and August 1969, was taken into custody today, never to be released again.

Manson, caught hiding under the bathroom vanity, and several of his followers were arrested during a police raid Barker Ranch, a mining and recreational property located inside Death Valley National Park in eastern California.

They were arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto and arson and jailed in Independence.

Police still had not yet connected Manson and his Family with the murders, including the brutal Aug. 9, 1969, slaying of actress Sharon Tate.

Manson sat in jail during the next two months, which was time enough to solve the murders and subsequently keep him behind bars for the rest of his life.