Research

Manson Family Murders

Cielo Drive
Benedict Canyon
Los Angeles, California
DC Class IV - Distress Condition, Crime Scene

On August 9, 1969, the followers of Charles Manson committed the murder of actress Sharon Tate and others. Throngs of curious seekers found the home and visited the property for years after the crime.

New Home Built on Site of Tate Residence

The crime occurred in a small farmhouse-style home off Benedict Canyon Road in an area north of Beverly Hills, California. The house was built in 1941 on a site that has an outstanding view of the Los Angeles basin. It contained 2,324 square feet, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a guesthouse, and a pool. In 1991, the original house was demolished, the site was re-graded, and a new, large Mediterranean home was built. The grading has dramatically altered the appearance of the site. Research indicates that today, over 25 years after the crimes, there is little or no residual stigma associated with the property. Aided by the remote location of the site and the extensive grading, curious seekers have long forgotten about the property. The current property owner stated that he did not receive any discount due to stigma when he purchased the property, and local residents state that the issue rarely arises. Apparently, time has cured the stigma associated with this property.