Interview Steven Weiss found Manson gun Helter Skelter Tate Murders Scott Michaels Dearly Departed

Scott Michaels interviews Steven Weiss who found the gun used for the Tate Murders - Helter Skelter August 1969 - Scott Michaels Dearly Departed
I'm Scott Michaels - thanks for watching. I own Dearly Departed Tours in Hollywood and the original Celebrity Death webpage, Findadeath. I've been doing this for 25 years - my collection of one-of-a-kind death related artifacts includes the legendary Jayne Mansfield Death Car.
I hope you enjoy these videos enough that you'll consider supporting the channel by donating a couple of bucks a month to keep it updated with new content.
/ scottmichaels

[@emmabauer1906]

This was fascinating. To learn he had to follow the coroner onto the stand & hear & see all that at 11 years old. He found such an important piece of evidence & helped put them away.

[@uhadme]

Reminds me of the OJ glove

[@cindie7086]

Wow! So cool to hear from this guy! Crazy how disorganized the P.D. was then and how ill-informed they were on how to handle EVIDENCE of any kind.

[@squinkque]

What an even-keeled well-spoken guy. I wonder what he did with his life. Certainly he seems to be doing well and in good health. Good for him. He definitely didn't let that absence of $1000 reward money get to him. He learned a hard life lesson early on.

[@n1kolodian]

No doubt! He’s just got a smooth way of constructing his sentences. Almost captivating to listen to. He reminds me of some lawyers and judges I’ve had the chance to work with.

[@TheIndependentLens]

I love how the kid in the movie looks like he's thinking "wtf?" at the cop just grabbing the gun handle. He was like "well, I guess it doesn't matter now if there were any prints on it."

[@johnm8096]

Another stellar job of handling evidence by the LAPD

[@TheIndependentLens]

@@johnm8096 yeah, I remember in the book it stating there was a perfect thumb print from one of the killers on the gate button to exit the property. One cop just walked right up and pressed it, ruining the print. With the two overlapping prints they couldn’t match.

[@JerichoMile4]

Steven Weiss and his discovery of the gun 🔫 was so crucial in Vince Bugliosi's prosecution...amazing story❗

[@elifoust7664]

He is owed 1000 plus accrued interest.

[@pinkrose5796]

I agree!!!!

[@wildbill5670]

Polanski should mail him a check for the grand plus interest. If it was me I would for sure. I never want to leave a dept unpaid.

[@PaulDoe79]

Didn't the hookers Susan blabbed to get some of the reward?

[@Exilemainstreet]

Scott, this is one of the best interviews I have ever seen (on any subject), because you let the interviewee talk and didn't rush him. Steven had a lot to say and, unlike a lot of interviewers, you didn't interrupt him and asked him great questions. I really liked the follow up questions about what Manson was like in court. Very insightful. You and I emailed briefly about 15 years ago about historic house architecture in LA, and I am so happy to see how well you're doing. Keep up the great work!

[@stormy7192]

So weird watching this. When I was 14, I was babysitting my little 7 yo brother. He and his friend found a gun in the woods behind our backyard. I called the police and actually had to testify in a murder trial. Crazy how this brought back this memory. A guy had been shot and killed at a convenient store down the street and the killer ran through our yard and discarded the gun back there. Court was not what it appears on tv. I don't know how this guy seen crime scene photos. I was led to a little room and had to sit there until I was called to the stand. Then had to leave. I was not allowed to hear any other testimony. But this was the 80s and in FL, could be different rules.

[@PaulDoe79]

Most witnesses were not allowed to stay in court... especially Family members. In Helter Skelter they wrote about how they got rid of the problem of Family members disrupting court proceedings by calling them as witnesses.

[@harlow9175]

Great interview. I love that you included the scene from Helter Skelter , visual proof on how LAPD bungled this case from the get go !

[@user-xk4wj6ge5b]

is it bc they're so busy? here in Oz cops are tops.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

I know, living way up here in Canada , I use to watch cop shows produced by Jack Webb , such as ADAM -12 , Dragnet and many other cops shows about California police departments . The way the California police departments were depicted in the shows , you would think that they were the perfect example of how a police dept should be run .I always wonder if one the Manson girls did not shoot her mouth off , while she was in jail to another inmate , if these cases would have been solved ????

[@rickh3714]

Dumb cop moment 2:40 ish. I like the response of boy and father!

[@justicegusting2476]

I’ve NEVER handled a gun by the tip of the barrel. What kind of bogus advise is that to give a 10 year-old.

[@stefaniesommer9151]

@@justicegusting2476 it’s actually good advice as there is no way they can shot themselves or anyone else if they are holding the gun by the barrel

[@sweetpeachbellini8245]

How cool to interview the real Steven! I remember watching the news about the murders and then later reading the book/watching the TV movie when it aired. Even though I live in Canada it scared the crap out of me!

[@josephshulman7387]

Me too I was in the State of NJ lol

[@cherylb2008]

Impressive. Really enjoyed this unique interview. It’s a gem. His dads still alive! Wow. God bless

[@Stand663]

People in those days were much more public spirited. They helped the police in solving crime etc. I remember when I was a kid, I found a wallet in the street and I walked to the police station and handed it in. It was how I was brought up. Nowadays I can’t imagine youths doing anything like that, rather the opposite.

[@maryaha7]

This was so interesting, Scott!💙 There were three Manson girls on trial, Atkins, Krenwinkle, and Van Houten. Linda Kasabian was the star witness for the prosecution.

[@dianakibbe1885]

Fascinating story, I live on the east coast, and even though this happened in Cali, I was scared to death that this had happened, poor Sharon, Jay, Abigail, Voitek, and Peter what was going through their mind when they met their fate that dreadful night.

[@glengamble526]

It’s said that Sharon Tate begged for the life of her unborn baby-asking them to take her with them, and let her have the child and then kill her after it was born-all to try and save her unborn baby. I don’t know how true that is, but it’s so sad.

[@Firefoxy-rz1nw]

'Peter' wasn't involved. You mean Steven Parent.

[@LisaBrown-wy9hi]

This interview is amazing and a true gem. I am so glad he spoke to you all.

[@Femsa2012]

Given that Steve Weiss was only 9 at the time, he'll almost certainly be the last living witness/participant in the Manson case.

[@nathanhoward45]

I was 4 years old and I was at the murder scene, I was supposed to make sure nobody got hurt!! Well we all know how that worked out!! Anyway I was only 4 fucking years old what the fuck do you expect??? I was napping, fuck

[@christystewart4567]

Nathan Howard which murder scene?

[@jeanandre6998]

@@nathanhoward45 go to hell

[@JudeCooper]

I think Linda Kasabian is still alive.

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

Katie, Van Houten, Beausoleil, Kasabian, Watson, Davis and I believe Clem are still alive as of August, 2021.

[@keepcalmcarryon8178]

Great interview Scott. It’s always great to hear a first person narrative of their actual (not a re-edited movie version) experience related to a reported event. You are always respectful and professional with your interviews and tapings. I really appreciated the beginning of your video where you confirmed that others were not around in the cemetery while you were taping. THAT is class. No mourners at a gravesite want to see a taping while they are attending or having private thoughts at a loved ones/friend’s/etc grave. As I’m home bound due to the COVID-19 right now, I’ll definitely continue to watch your work. Thanks again!

[@GGsInterests]

VERY interesting to see and hear from someone so close to the situation, the courtroom scene, his impression of Manson, and the ways in which it did and did not impact his life and the culture at the time. Thanks.

[@maisy7926]

Excellent interview. The interviewer has a wonderful way with people, you can see that he is eloquent and able to relax the interviewee, which gleans all the interesting bits of information out. Very well done x

[@emallace447]

Wow he is wonderful! What a great interview.

[@Contessa6363]

Very interesting thank you. It was very nice of Steven to speak with you

[@CollectionTHX1138]

Interesting the Dad and kid were played by their neighbors. Crazy the rookie officer who didn't know how to handle the gun was named Watson and it was the Gun Tex Watson used in the murders.

[@elmerfudd6305]

Yes another oddity..

[@michelle3583]

I thought of that too soon as he said it and if I'm not mistaken I think I watched a KZbin video that Tex Watson was related to a police officer could b wrong but pretty sure thats what it said in that particular video

[@rrnabors1]

@@michelle3583 Then maybe it wasn't a coincidence that the ham fisted police officer put his grubby hands all over the gun . . .

[@frankpaya690]

And what's even crazier is that piece of human waste Charles (tex) Watson who is responsible for the majority of murdering on those two nights, was not only allowed to live out his life and he's still alive today, but he's been allowed to Father three or four children, after cutting Sharon Tate's baby out of her abdomen.

[@nellsdaughter1960]

@@frankpaya690 Shar on's baby wasn't cut cut out by Tex. The baby was delivered at Sharon's autopsy and buried wth Sharon. He was named Paul Richard Polanski.

[@MicheleMJJ]

Absolutely fantastic interview,. I always wondered what happened to Steve and if he got a reward. He should have. Ronnie Howard might not have been the most trustworthy gal, but she is responsible for ratting out Susan Atkins. That part of the movie was great. Thanks for making this video.

[@christystewart4567]

From what I understand Steve did get part of the reward.

[@Femsa2012]

I think he got a couple grand of the reward money. The police nearly threw the revolver away, not realizing it was connected to the Tate murders. It was probably the single most important piece of evidence in the case. The investigators tracked its history and traced it right to Manson's hands. Fine police work, excepting the weeks it was sitting in an evidence vault while flyers about it were sent to every police dept in the USA and Canada.

[@janetphillips2875]

He just said he never got any money.

[@murada2007]

What a great guy. It's nice he chose to do the interview with you.

[@billlozier5551]

Heck I didn't even know a kid found the gun & I'm 63. I just drove to the Tate location today which is how I ended up finding this.Great video interview.

[@Mszahnclass95]

Steven Weiss found the gun that was used in murders an he didn't get a reward ,wow that sucks .plus he had to go to court an listen to all the gruesome details on the murders .wow that sucks .great interview Scott . I found your channel almost three years ago from Jordan the lion channel

[@michaeldavis5775]

Great interview....so interesting! Thank you Steven Weiss for giving Scott this interview.

[@StacyL.]

I've always been fascinated by the Manson murders. I read Helter Skelter at age 17 because I was drawn to it.

[@paultynan8705]

My grandfather gave me the book Beau Gest to read and put HSAway

[@blakewhittington4336]

Glad to see you have a KZbin channel. Your DVD from 2007 I think on the Manson murders is a good one I watch it all the time

[@williambethel3439]

Steve, You did it again! Another great video where you catch history, when no other source provides these insights.....Keep up the good work!

[@janetphillips2875]

Steve?

[@stevedouglas5443]

Hey Scott. Glad to see you have a youtube channel! I have a DVD you produced about the Mansion family. A+

[@debbiethompson8527]

Love all your details Scott, keep them coming please!

[@Katrinawitch]

Great interview with Steven! He's quite eloquent.

[@christopherneil988]

Thank you Scott, This took my mind off of all the global crap going on right now with the virus.

[@gdcat777]

You mean the "virus." Yeah, global is the operative word as in globalism taking hold with tyranny. Its no joke.

[@KevinThomas-ok2ev]

Talk about a TRUE crime story! If the real story behind Covid and the vaccines ever comes out, it’ll be the most horrendous crime story in all of human history.

[@rhatley]

Scott this is fantastic! How lucky you were to find Steve and that he was willing to speak with you. This is nothing less than living history. Thanks for posting this!

[@damiena378]

Scott always knew you would be perfect for youtube - Jordan was so right - following you since findadeath - keep up the fascinating videos

[@karentarr8930]

LAPD really screwed that up, great interview Scott ty🥰

[@jasonmcgovern1364]

Hi Scott, very interesting hearing his actually memories of the event, and what a nice guy. Great vlog Scott.

[@pauljohnson9445]

Nice get. Having Steven Weiss speak to your tour about his experience and involvement in the case is sterling stuff. Real history right there in the cul-de-sac. Video work was sketchy but however you get it is better than nothing. Keep up the good work.

[@Sandi-ke9mi]

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and in the late 70s people in our school were talking about how Manson would be eligible for parole in the year 2000 and we would only be 40 years old then and he might come after us, lol. Manson was pretty much synonymous with the devil in all of the United States after he was convicted of the crime. I’m glad he never got out of prison.

[@Jamestele1]

I'm now hooked on your videos man. I never would have though that there was so much on the table to look at, after the books, movies, etc., but you are shining a light on entire storylines that were overlooked, perhaps because Sharon Tate was beyond beautiful and all of the A list people involved, that the Steven Parents and lesser known folks were relegated in history until now. Thanks for your investigative work and what seems to be a sincere compassion for the other victims and folks involved.

[@brianpatterson5352]

I became a fan of you Scott after watching your documentary six degrees of Helter skelter

[@TightwadTodd]

Am i the only one,who heard him say,that his father taught him gun safety and told him to handle the gun by the end of the Barrel????

[@bossyboo29]

Tightwad Todd Yeah, I thought that was odd. Who holds a gun by the end of the barrel...?

[@irishjim2255]

@@bossyboo29 Perhaps so he wouldn't accidently pull the trigger

[@aircastles1013]

I thought he said he saw how to do that on Dragnet? So you don’t touch any fingerprints on the handle maybe.

[@mariagavin6256]

Supposed to pick up the gun with a branch or anything that is available

[@nathanhoward45]

Always have the smallest child available to retrieve guns, their tiny hands are better at getting into tight spots

[@katotheother]

Cool. I've enjoyed your work since stumbling across Six Degrees of Helter Skelter a few years back.

[@cherihill2003]

Me too. Loved that documentary.

[@uhadme]

My observation was the story about the neighbor 3 doors down across the street @ the 10 minute mark. "kids was same age as me, father was in SAG"... "six years later I was too old, but that kid played me". He is not telling us a real story

[@Richbar-qe6bx]

Wow, thanks for posting this. I'm 60 years old around the same age of this guy. I don't remember hearing much when it happened. My memory goes back to when the trials took place and the hysteria of when they overturned the death penalty in the early 70s. The news made it sound like the people were going to be getting out of jail.

[@fuzzyarmadillo1320]

And some did.

[@JULIOHERNANDEZ-cy7sq]

Man I wish time travel was possible so we could go back in time and warn everyone in that house of what's about to happen.

[@danielmarin9860]

Hi Scott..awesome interview. I have an ever so slight connection to the Manson murders. About 7 years ago I took my son to the doctor here in Highland, California. My son saw the doctor on call instead. His name was I believe Michael Bugliosi. He was very good. At the end I asked him if he was somehow related to the former LA DA who prosecuted the Manson murders. He said, Yes..Vincent Bugliosi was my dad. I was intrigued. He said his dad was doing well and that he did not follow in his dad's footsteps. He was very down to earth. As you might imagine, it was quite a thrill for me.

[@jeffkidd7409]

Be safe scott...great videos. I have been a fan of findadeath for several years. I appreciate you vlogging and sharing stories!

[@Animalfarm6cats]

Am I the only one who caught him saying he looked at the crime scene photos In court? Then when asked if he did he said no?

[@dennis8309]

I believe he seen some photos, probably on a table close by, as he was being sworn in. Than when he was on the stand, he said they did not show him any of the pictures. Pretty clear to me...

[@Cheshyre.]

Thank you for not just being entertaining, but oh so educational too, Scott. God bless.

[@ronalddunn291]

I was 6 Year old when this happened and it blew my mind Omg!

[@maryglitter7722]

Thanks for the throw back interview. Great job!!!

[@melm4760]

I visited your findadeath website years ago. So glad you are posting here. Thanks for sharing. Great video!

[@phoenixfiery7508]

Hey Scott, been following since the early days of Find a Death. Happy to see you active on here! I live vicariously through you and Jordyn, I miss living out there, thank you!

[@abbynewman3411]

Wow, what a great interview! Thanks for this content. This is still so unbelievable even after all of these years.

[@dirkdarwin2571]

Just wanted to say that I love your write-ups on FAD. I've kept coming back for the last 10 or more years. Big fan! Love your comedic slant and approach. Keep doing your thing. Big love.

[@estelleacocella9818]

What a great interview. Thank you for sharing with us .

[@stevesutherland6232]

Thank you ....I always enjoy your work!!!!

[@birdsong985]

Thank you Scott, I am so glad I came across you again while watching Jordan. I knew about you when I watched your Manson doc which was amazing. So interesting. Big fan here..keep it up!

[@creepychris2715]

Dam Scott that was awesome thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@daveschuda2766]

Outstanding account, thanks for posting.

[@dougsmith7083]

Excellent conversation. As others have stated, your interviewing skills/style is excellent. Allowing Steven the change to speak freely and tell his story without feeling rushed or, cut off. You even get the extra tidbits about the cruise etc... Cheers

[@lisabrown6280]

Mr Michaels, this is soooo interesting! You have really done a great job on these videos! The best I have ever seen. Feels more personable talking to all these people connected in one way or another to this case.

[@deedanis5351]

This was awesome! Never thought about it. I was only 8, but great interview Scott🙋🏻‍♀️thank you

[@miriamjewett5438]

My mother was obsessed with these murders. She definitely had Helter Skelter. I read the book a few times, too.

[@janicetorrey8132]

Great job as always, Scott! I wish that he would have been there when I did the tour. Stay safe!

[@KingBobCat]

Another great video, Scott! God Bless & stay safe! :)

[@shawnaisntshestrange5830]

I love your content and will certainly support you on patreon as soon as I get back to work. On medical leave right now recovering from surgery.

[@blazedandconfused9271]

Love your videos, your stories and your collection. Very cool dude. You’re awesome.

[@stevedouglas5443]

I have the disk with the Charlie Manson story you told. I thought that was other best show ever made about the Manson family.

[@tzzz7]

What a great vid. Read everything on the subject. very cool to hear Stevens story.

[@shanalacey1]

Another great video Scott. Hope you and yours are being careful and staying healthy. Hugs from Niagara Falls Canada.

[@Jo.885]

Linda Kasabian wasn't sitting with the other girls. She was brought in from another room as a witness. He's not remembering that correctly. God bless this guy though. Probably because of him that this was solved and prosecuted successfully.

[@misstury606]

Great Interview Scott, thank you!

[@jude999]

Great documentation. Thank you. Seems like every famous case you hear about the police were clueless about common sense police practice.

[@diecastloonie6055]

Very interesting great way to take your mind off current events especially as I live in Britain and it's very unlikely I'm going to get to visit these places so thank you

[@paulcarlsen4088]

The murders happened the year I was born.My parents lived in Chino. I asked her about the year I was born (69), and what events stuck out in her mind. The moon landing, and the murders. She said everyone in So. Cal. were nervous. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@irishgip71]

GREAT VIDEO SIR!!! Ur knowledge is amazing, original and heard as gospel!! Keep em coming sir

[@mrDCunningham]

That was awesome. Great interview and story

[@laurecrp8751]

I’m reading Helter Skelter Thank you for uploading ! It’s very interesting!

[@TheMrdavidlangley]

This stuff is absolutely fricken awesome Scott. It's nice to hear the truth after all these years. I wonder how much other information dealing with this case has been misconstrued. Thanks again Scott. Have a very nice day friend.

[@LadyDragonsblood]

I am enjoying watching these Mason videos. My first major in college was Criminal Justice. For Evidence and Procedure class, we had to read Helter Skelter....it is a prime example of how NOT to conduct a police investigation.

[@iolaforeman7588]

Thank you Scott! Stay safe!

[@rhwinner]

Wow, can't believe he was only interviewed twice (other than by authorities). His find was pivotal!

[@Devils_Advocate423]

Wow... he spoke volumes with that "it's not like it happened in South Central" comment 👀

[@gingin6246]

Hi Scott. Thank you for sharing this video. So interesting. The viewing was very narrow though. Thank u

[@Jaysin13]

About time you got a channel, I love your stuff Scott!!

[@joansmith3296]

What an interview! After all these years one of the case's unsung heroes is there to tell about it. And he was a child yet. thanks

[@56cadd]

@@deathlarsen7502 ,better to be heroe than Zeroe.

[@michellescarborough16]

This was a very interesting story from a different perspective. I do remember well when this happened. It was real creepy. What a nice guy to speak with Scott.

[@BobSmith-zp2kk]

Great interview!!

[@writerwarriorqueen]

**GREETING'S SCOTT🙋‍♀️ HERE IN CANADA🇨🇦 YOU ARE SUCH A KEWL DUDE😎🤘 FOUND OUT ABOUT YOU THROUGH JORDAN'S CHANNEL, ABOUT A YEAR AGO. WAS ABSOLUTELY ENTHRALLED & FASCINATED BY YOUR TOUR, YOU & ALL OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE**. As a highly Compassionate Empath, sorry to hear you had to shut down the doors 😢 But STOKED with your channel, been binge watching vids. I'm a Published Writer, as such am always intrigued by people's life stories. Have many questions for you. But, really, just wanted to first give you a personal shout out. Have a most wonderful weekend THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HARD WORK & DEDICATION YOU PUT INTO EVERYTHING YOU DO.

[@SurferJoe1]

I drove by the house in about 1992, along with the other related sites. I had gotten re-interested because people visiting me in LA always wanted the tour so I had to learn where Cielo was, and on from there. (Later it was Simpson). So glad you interviewed Steven Weiss. I wonder if he knows how many people out there, like me, know his name and know exactly who he is right off the top of our heads. A guy I'd love to meet.

[@chairlesnicol672]

Next thing u know Steven wies will b giving tours lol

[@seattlescofflaws]

Fascinating! Thank you.

[@johnhammond9962]

Bravo..clap..clap...clap. Excellent police work there Chief Wiggam.

[@mrkinla]

LAPD Officer: "Uhhh, we just throw old evidence into the ocean." Which is why murderers get recycled because the department will not.

[@janetphillips2875]

Nowadays, LA throws the victims under the bus!

[@donnalynn2]

Thanks for the interview! I'm quite young to follow this (48) but these murders have always really bothered me probably bc of poor Sharon and the baby that was lost. I read the book and have just marveled at the fact that thru all the bumbling of the two police forces they actually got convictions. Anyway, this is quite interesting to hear about this little til bit from the guy who actually picked up the gun.

[@jodyhoevel6393]

Good thing you closed the museum before this pandemic hit! Thanks for posting!

[@tonikennedy9812]

I am going to take your terrific Manson Tour again, it was intriguing....

[@Fuckthathoe]

Love all your content!! Hopefully the pandemic will go away so you can bring back your tour. I live in Montana but would definitely Cruz to LA to check it out!!