History Presents MANSON SPEAKS: INSIDE THE MIND OF A MADMAN, 12/3

Two weeks after the death of Charles Manson, HISTORY and Lucky 8 TV ("60 Days In," "Released") will reveal new riveting evidence that suggests the Manson Family's reign of terror may have extended beyond their notorious Los Angeles murders in MANSON SPEAKS: INSIDE THE MIND OF A MADMAN, premiering Sunday, December 3 at 9PM ET/PT. In addition to chronicling one of the MOST INFAMOUS crimes in U.S. history, the four-hour, two-night special investigates other mysterious deaths from the same timeframe and reveals new accounts of Manson's violence and influence over others. The special also examines 26 hours of exclusive never-before-broadcast phone conversations with Manson that may change the scope of his crimes, almost five decades later.

Cult leader Charles Manson was the mastermind behind the brutal murders of nine people - seven occurring over a two-night killing spree in Los Angeles in 1969, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate. Two years later, Manson and many of his followers were found guilty of some of the most VICIOUS murders in California's history. Cliff Shepard, a retired cold case and robbery-homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department who is responsible for catching some of LA's most dangerous serial killers - has been haunted by the Manson murders his entire career. Convinced that Manson's crimes extend beyond the nine murders for which he was convicted, Shepard, alongside researcher Charlie Cook, has launched his own investigation to uncover the truth. Key to Shepard's efforts is unparalleled access to 26 hours of never-before-broadcast audio recordings of Manson and confidant-turned-author Marlin Marynick. Marynick recorded his phone calls with Manson over roughly 10 years, and in these conversations, Manson speaks cryptically about Sharon Tate and others. Detective Shepard scours the calls for new evidence as he also investigates two other deaths - the gruesome murder of a 19-year-old girl and a mysterious suicide - that he believes may be connected to the Manson Family.

The two-part special also presents a new theory on Manson's motives that does not align with the "Helter Skelter" theory he was prosecuted under; brings forth eye witnesses who are speaking publicly about Manson for the first time; and makes contact with the only convicted Manson Family killer who is currently out of prison and living under a pseudonym.

"Charles Manson was one of the most notorious murderers of the 20th century, occupying a dark place in American culture," said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President of Programming, HISTORY. "After four decades in prison, Manson's death is an impactful part of our current history and our special offers an in-depth look at a cult leader who horrified and fascinated a nation. Through Manson's own words in countless hours of exclusive audio conversations we uncover shocking information that may change how we perceive the history of his crimes."

"Manson Speaks: Inside The Mind Of A Madman" is produced for HISTORY by Lucky 8 TV. Kim Woodard, Greg Henry and Aric Laferriere are executive producers for Lucky 8. Zachary Behr and Jennifer Wagman are executive producers for HISTORY.

About HISTORY(R) HISTORY(R), now reaching more than 96 million homes, is the leading destination for award-winning series and specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across all platforms. The network's all-original programming slate features a roster of signature series including "Pawn Stars," "American Pickers," "The Curse of Oak Island," "Alone" as well as the hit drama series "Vikings." The HISTORY website is located at history.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/history and Facebook at facebook.com/history.

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