April 22nd, 1971. Fifty years ago, Charles Manson was sent to state prison for seven counts of first-degree murder, but the story did not stop there. Having originally headed to Hollywood with dreams of making it big in the music industry, Manson was always intertwined with the media. Half a century on he continues to thrive in the golden era of the true-crime documentary.

Watch the video above to understand how Manson captivated a nation and embedded himself into the public conscience. Click through the videos below to explore his legacy; today's media fascination with the macabre.