Vincent Bugliosi, Charles Manson Prosecutor and ‘Helter Skelter’ Author, Dead at 80

Former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney gained worldwide fame for his successful prosecution of cult killers

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Vincent Bugliosi, the former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney who prosecuted Charles Manson and his followers for the brutal 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others, has died. He was 80.

Bugliosi went on to become a best-selling true crime writer, co-authoring “Helter Skelter” about the Manson murders and the subsequent sensational trial.

He died on Saturday, June 6, NBC News reported on Monday night.

“He was a workaholic. What was remarkable was he always found time for everyone who needed work. Every fan letter he received, he responded to everyone,” his son, Vincent Bugliosi Jr. said.

Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, Bugliosi moved to L.A. in the 1960s and earned his law degree from UCLA. During his career at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, he successfully secured convictions in 105 of 106 felony jury trials, including 21 murder cases.

He also wrote a number of books including “And the Sea Will Tell,” “Outrage: The Five Reasons Why OJ Simpson Got Away With Murder” and “The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder.”

Bugliosi is survived by Gail, his wife of 59 years, and his two children, Wendy and Vincent Jr.

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