Remembering That Time We Dug Into William Garretson and the Manson Murders

 

The Manson Family murders at 10050 Cielo Drive continue to fascinate and horrify, decades after the gruesome events took place. Tonight, we're diving deep into the testimony of William Garretson, a key witness whose account has been plagued by inconsistencies and lingering suspicions. I did a live stream where I read out his trial testimony Click Here to see it. The resulting discussion took us on quite a journey.

Garretson was employed as a houseboy by Rudi Altobelli, the owner of the property. His duties involved caring for Altobelli's dogs while he was away in Europe and maintaining the guest house. On the fateful night of August 9th, 1969, Stephen Parent visited Garretson at midnight, apparently to sell him a clock radio. Parent's departure from the Guest House would be his last, as he was the first victim of the Manson Family that night.

Garretson claims to have heard nothing amiss, a statement that has been met with widespread disbelief. He maintained he remained in the guest house the entire night, listening to music and writing letters, oblivious to the horrific events unfolding just a short distance away. The skepticism surrounding his testimony stems from several factors:

Suspicious Silence

 How could someone remain unaware of such brutal violence happening so close by? Many believe Garretson was either deliberately lying out of fear for his own safety, or perhaps even fled the scene during the commotion and returned later.

The Cary Grant Rumors

A persistent rumor alleging actor Cary Grant's presence at the guest house that night has recently resurfaced. The whispered narrative suggests a possible homosexual liaison between Grant and Garretson, leading them to flee the property together down the fire trails before Grant returned later to move his car and cover his tracks. These claims are said to have been made by Cary Grant's manager and contribute to the overall air of mystery surrounding Garretson.

Conflicting Accounts: Sebring's Presence

Garretson testified he had seen one of the victims, Jay Sebring’s car, at the Polanski residence regularly. This statement conflicts with other accounts, particularly those of witness Winifred Chapman, the maid, who claimed Sebring was not a regular guest, adding to the confusion surrounding what was really happening at Cielo Drive.

Key Details from Garretson's Testimony

Open Door

Garretson surprisingly claimed he kept a back door to the guest house open the entire time, to allow the dogs to get in and out. This means Patricia Krenwinkel should have easily been able to gain entry when she was sent to check the guest house, adding more mystery to how Garretson survived the brutal massacre that night.

The Barking Dog

He stated that Altobelli's dog Christopher went outside around 2:00 a.m., barked, and then returned inside. This seemingly innocuous detail raises further questions: why wouldn't a dog bark more intensely during a violent attack nearby?

Music and Mood

 He said he was listening to The Doors and Mama Cass, specifically that Mama Cass was playing on the record player that night.

A 'House Boy Mafia'?

Garretson's reluctance to admit seemingly simple facts, like whether it was a hot night (he claimed he never opened the windows despite the heat), only deepens the suspicion surrounding him, and makes him seem evasive, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Interestingly, Garretson's role as a 'houseboy' is not unique in this narrative. The presence of several young men employed in similar capacities, from Harrigan and Doyle's houseboy Terrence Cookesly mentioned in the homicide report I did a live stream about, to Rudi Altobelli. Even Tex Watson, seemingly living at Dennis Wilson's place in a similar role, it seems to be a recurring theme in this case, which has led to speculation about a network, a 'houseboy Mafia.' The theory suggests these individuals might have been intertwined in ways that are still not fully understood.

While William Garretson was ultimately cleared of any direct involvement in the murders, his testimony remains a source of intrigue and debate. His evasiveness, the persistent rumors, and the conflicting details surrounding his account continue to fuel speculation about what he truly knew, and what he might still be hiding. The case of William Garretson serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and lingering mysteries that continue to surround the Manson Family saga.

Altobelli's Evasive Maneuvers

Rudi Altobelli, the property owner, played a significant role in the narrative surrounding Garretson. In a previously analyzed video posted by Tom O’Neill, author of “Chaos” of interviews with Altobelli, he can be heard being remarkably evasive when questioned about how Garretson and he initially met. This hesitation and reluctance to provide a clear answer further muddies the waters. Why was Altobelli so uncomfortable discussing this seemingly innocuous detail? His evasiveness only fuels speculation and reinforces the feeling that information was being withheld or manipulated.

The case surrounding the Tate-LaBianca murders is a complex tapestry woven with tragedy, speculation, and unanswered questions. Examining the details, especially Garretson's testimony, reveals inconsistencies and raises doubts about the official narrative. The open back door, the bizarre midnight radio sale, and Altobelli's evasiveness all point to a story that is far from fully resolved. As we continue to revisit and analyze the evidence, we owe it to the victims to pursue the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or unsettling it may be.