Early Life and Background
Dallas-born Charles Denton “Tex” Watson was born on December 2, 1945. He grew up in a little town named Copeville, located around 35 miles north of Dallas, with his parents, Elizabeth and Denton Watson, and his siblings—a brother and a sister. Watson was the youngest of three children in his family. Religious parents raised him in a small-town childhood. His scholastic and athletic success at Farmersville High School earned him honours and star status.
Watson attended the University of North Texas after high school to expand his knowledge. He changed drastically after moving to California, despite his promising start.
Involvement with the Manson Family
Watson joined the “Manson Family,” led by Charles Manson, in California in the late 1960s. This gang, first seen as a benign alternative lifestyle community, became notorious for its violent murders. Tex Watson immediately became one of Manson’s most faithful followers and vital to the group’s crimes.
Watson and other “Family” members committed the grisly Tate-LaBianca murders in August 1969 on Manson’s orders, shocking the nation. Seven people—including Sharon Tate—died in this two-night massacre. Watson became one of America’s most notorious criminals after these atrocities.
Legal Proceedings and Imprisonment
Watson escaped to Texas after the murders but was captured and extradited to California. He was convicted of murder in 1971. After the California Supreme Court abolished the capital penalty in 1972, Watson’s death sentence was commuted to life.
Tex Watson supposedly became a Christian in prison. He married Kristin Joan Svege in 1979 and had four children through conjugal visits, which he no longer had. Watson formed a jail ministry after finding peace with his past through faith.
Portrayals in Media
Tex Watson’s real-life and fictionalised stories have been told in numerous media. Austin Butler plays Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” This film fictionalises the Manson Family killings.
In “Mindhunter,” Christopher Backus plays Watson. Based on FBI profiling cases, this dramatised series explores the psyche of notorious criminals like Watson.
Education and Personal Life
Watson graduated from California Coast University in 2009 while in prison. Through ministry and family visits, he has tried to stay connected while in prison.
FAQ
How did Tex Watson fit into the Manson Family?
Manson Family leader Tex Watson was involved in the Tate-LaBianca killings, ordered by Charles Manson.
How did Tex Watson’s case proceed?
Watson was captured in Texas, transported to California, and convicted in 1971 for murder. His death sentence was commuted to life.
What is Tex Watson’s current status?
Tex Watson founded a prison ministry in California while serving time.
Who played Tex Watson in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”?
In 2019, Austin Butler played Tex Watson in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Media portrayals of Tex Watson’s life
In addition to films, Christopher Backus played Tex Watson in the TV series “Mindhunter.”
Has Tex Watson studied in prison?
Yes, Tex Watson graduated from California Coast University in 2009 while in prison.
