Charlie Manson's Chief Lieutenant

Just who was Charles “Tex” Watson? How did a clean-cut North Texas boy end up involved in one of the most infamous series of murders in history?

Judge Brandon Birmingham walks you through Tex’s journey to Spahn Ranch, and how The Beatles factor into all of it.

Was “Tex” Watson truly insane when he carried out the Tate-LaBianca killings? That’s his defense, at least. In this episode of “A Murderous Design,” Judge Brandon Birmingham walks you through the prosecution’s efforts to poke holes in that defense. What did Tex do to undermine his plea? What was Charles Manson’s direct involvement? And how did one family member attempt to prevent any further murders?

Tex takes the stand in his own defense. What turns him against Charles Manson? Did he try to fool the jury? What does he say that could undermine his plea of insanity?

A special thanks to Manson family prosecutor Stephen Kay for his help with research, as well as http://www.cielodrive.com/.

Join us for our next series on a mysterious serial killer in Dallas, Texas, with a specific calling card.