A woman has come forward to share her unsettling experience of being involved with Charles Manson's cult at the young age of 14, making her the youngest member to join.
Dianne Lake, now 64, detailed how Manson mesmerized and exerted control over the women in his group, revealing that he engaged in s–ual activities with her shortly after their initial meeting.
In a candid memoir, Lake described her first interaction with Manson, who was 33 at the time, as surprisingly gentle.
Despite California's legal age of consent being 18 since 1913, Manson's actions towards her constituted statutory rape.
Lake later testified against Manson during the court proceedings following a brutal two-day killing spree that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals.
However, she recalled feeling that Manson was “charming and affectionate” during their initial encounter.
In an excerpt from Lake's recently published book featured in The New York Post, she wrote about the intimate moments with Manson, stating, “He took his time discovering my body, focusing on areas that elicited a strong response from me.”
She further expressed how she felt emotionally entangled with Manson after their physical encounter.
Despite her young age of 14 and living separately from her parents who were part of a commune, Lake crossed paths with Manson before her family did.
She previously disclosed to People magazine that she gravitated towards the cult after feeling abandoned by her parents, seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance that Manson seemingly offered her.
During an interview on Good Morning America, Lake elaborated on the dynamics within the group, where Manson made each member feel special and cherished, fostering an atmosphere of shared affection among the women.
She characterized the interactions with Manson as playful and affectionate, starting with innocent gestures that gradually escalated into more intimate encounters.
After Manson instructed his followers to commit multiple murders, including the infamous killings of Sharon Tate and others, Lake managed to break away from the cult.
Although she was not directly involved in the crimes, she heard gruesome firsthand accounts from other cult members detailing the atrocities.
Facing Manson in court, Lake was questioned about her feelings towards him, to which she responded ambiguously.
Manson, in a surprising outburst, attempted to downplay her emotions, showcasing his manipulative tactics.
This incident led Lake to realize Manson's true nature as a self-absorbed individual masking his insecurities through manipulation.
Following the conclusion of the trial, Manson received first-degree murder convictions, and Lake was able to move forward with her life, building a family and pursuing higher education.
She reflected on the burden of keeping her past hidden and expressed relief at finally sharing her story of resilience and survival.
Lake's book, “Member of the Family: My Story of Charles Manson, Life Inside His Cult, and the Darkness That Ended the Sixties,” was released on October 24, shedding light on her experiences and shedding the secrecy surrounding her involvement with Manson's cult.
