Dianne Lake, now aged 64, shares her experiences as the youngest member of the infamous “Manson family” and sheds light on her intimate involvement with the convicted mass murderer Charles Manson.
In a recent revelation, Lake disclosed that during her teenage years, she engaged in a romantic relationship with Manson, expressing that she found him charming and affectionate.
Reflecting on her past, Lake described how Manson had a way of making each girl feel uniquely cherished, despite sharing him with others.
She emphasized the sense of specialness and adoration he instilled in them.
In her newly published memoir titled “Member of the Family,” Lake delves into her time spent with Manson and narrates how she fell under his manipulative influence.
Recalling their initial encounter at a party, Lake shared that she swiftly developed an intimate connection with the then 34-year-old Manson, leading to a physical relationship within hours.
Lake characterized the early stages of their relationship as innocent, loving, and almost playful, highlighting Manson’s charismatic and mischievous personality.
Living alongside individuals who later gained notoriety for their involvement in violent crimes, Lake expressed admiration for some members like Patricia Krenwinkel and Tex Watson, whom she viewed in a positive light.
Despite the initial facade of love and harmony promoted by Manson, Lake detailed a stark shift in his demeanor as he began preaching about a looming race war referred to as “Helter Skelter.”
Engaging in various unsettling activities orchestrated by Manson, Lake recounted participating in missions that involved trespassing and unsettling unsuspecting individuals by rearranging their belongings.
Unaware of the impending violent acts, Lake was horrified to learn about the brutal murders that Manson orchestrated, leading to the deaths of several innocent victims over two consecutive days in August 1969.
Following her arrest two months after the tragic events, Lake eventually testified against Manson in court, shedding light on the manipulative and controlling nature of their relationship.
Expressing a sense of relief and closure after half a century, Lake revealed that she now acknowledges herself as a victim, no longer burdened by the association with Manson’s legacy of evil.
As Leslie Van Houten, one of Manson’s followers, awaits potential parole, Lake expressed a sense of detachment from the fate of those involved in the cult’s atrocities, emphasizing a belief in divine justice.
With her story finally shared after decades of silence, Lake hopes to convey the message of resilience and self-realization, urging others to confront and overcome the shadows of their past.
