John Philip Haught, better known as "John P.," rose to infamy as a member of the notorious Manson Family. Born on March 4, 1943, in cables area, Kentucky, Haught's life took a dark turn that led him to California and into the clutches of Charles Manson.
With a troubled past, including a history of armed robbery and a stretch in prison, Haught was drawn to Manson's commune, Spahn Ranch, in the late 1960s. Here, in an isolated environment, Manson preached his twisted philosophy, referred to as "Helter Skelter," which advocated for an imminent racial war and the Family's role in it.
Life Before Manson
Haught's early life was marked by instability and criminal activity. Born to a mother who struggled with substance abuse, Haught spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes and juvenile detention.
In his teens, Haught turned to crime, eventually landing in prison for armed robbery. Upon his release, he hit the road, hitchhiking across the country and eventually making his way to California in the late 1960s.
Joining the Manson Family
In California, Haught found himself drawn to the counterculture movement. He met Manson and was soon enticed by the leader's charismatic personality and promises of love, freedom, and a new way of life.
Haught soon moved into Spahn Ranch, embracing Manson's hippie-like lifestyle and philosophy. He became a devoted follower, one of the many 'Family' members who saw Manson as a messianic figure.
Role in the Murders
It was during the infamous 'Manson Family' murders that Haught's involvement in the cult became most deadly. In the summer of 1969, Manson ordered several 'Family' members, including Haught, to commit a series of gruesome murders.
Among those killed were pregnant actress Sharon Tate, and six others at her Los Angeles home. Haught was allegedly present at these crimes, although his direct involvement remains a point of contention among researchers and investigators.
Aftermath and Later Life
The arrests and trials of the 'Manson Family' members brought Haught's involvement with the cult to light.
Following his arrest, Haught was tried for his role in the murders. Despite his involvement, he was never convicted of any of the crimes due to insufficient evidence. However, he was sent back to prison on unrelated charges.
Later Life in Prison
Haught spent the following decades of his life in prison, with various parole attempts met with refusal.
In 2019, Haught, then 76 years old, was granted parole. However, the decision was reversed, and he remains incarcerated to this day. His case continues to be a subject of debate and fascination among true crime enthusiasts and Manson Family followers.
While much about Haught's time with the Manson Family remains unclear or contested, what is evident is the lasting impact the cult and its crimes have had on society. Stories like Haught's serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of extremist ideologies and the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our society.