Acknowledgments

A great number of colleagues, friends and researchers have helped craft this book, fill in gaps in information, share resources and help complete the picture of Sharon’s life and death. I am especially grateful to those friends of Sharon who submitted to interviews, answered my queries, provided me with valuable information and assisted with this book. While some of those interviewed requested anonymity, and others—while allowing me to mention their contributions wished that specific information not be attributed—all deserve my sincere thanks.

I would like to particularly express my gratitude to Joyce Behncke, Pat Boone, Herb Browar, Vincent Bugliosi, Leslie Caron, Robert Dishaw, John Dobie, Ross Duden, Patty Faulkner, Philippe Forquet, William Garretson, Hal Gefsky, Kathryn Glennie, Natalie Grumbles, Barbara Hoyt, David Ingersoll, Stephen Kay, Aaron Kincaid, Jeff Kinoz, Alice LaBianca, Cheryl Lockerbie of the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau, Allison Lowe, Mike McGann, Will Melendez, Cynthia Melin, Mike Mindlin, Howard Miller, Bill Nelson, Janet Parent, Alan Patierno, Michelle Phillips, Sheila Boyle Plank, Art Schultz, Kay Smithson, Joe Spitz, Elizabeth Gedwed Stroup, Tracy Tait, Corey Urbach, Skip Ward, Brodie Williamson, Jim Wilson, Mick Woelk, Ib and Paula Zacko, and Brent Zachy for the support and contributions. I went straight from one book deadline to the next, and my friends have proved, as ever, understanding and patient. Sharlene Aadland, Daniel Briere, Liz and Andy Eaton, Marlene Eilers, Laura Enstone, Jake Gariepy, Nils Hanson, Barbara and Paul Harper, Gretchen Haskin, Kathy Hoefler, DeeAnn Hoff, Dianne Holme, Jeff Hooks, Angela Manning, Cecelia Manning, Mark Manning, Grant Michael Menzies, Denis Meslans, Russ Minugh, Steve O’Donnell, and Anne Shawyer have never let me down, even in the face of peculiarities imposed by my chosen career. And my parents, Roger and Helena King,gave their invaluable support—emotional, practical and financial.

I would like to thank those who, against my deadline, have generously shared their own information on Sharon and alerted me to resources I might have missed: David Allen, Monty Hinson, Allison Keene, Stephanie Ogle of Cinema Books in Seattle, and Christopher Simmons. Ted Spittal has been instrumental in making the connections which allowed me to interview many of Sharon’s former schoolmates from her time at Vincenza American High School.

As always, Susanne Meslans has been of immense help. Her valuable suggestions have always helped craft my books, and I thank her especially for her work on this book.

My friend Candace Metz-Longinette-Gahring sacrificed her own time and writing interests to pursue information on the Manson Family and their victims; discuss ideas; and, during an already hectic weekend, make time to read through the manuscript and offer important insight. Without Candace’s insight, this book would be sadly lacking.

Penny Wilson literally put her busy life on hold to not only read the manuscript and make corrections, but also step in during an emergency and rescue the delivery of the book. Her contributions have been immense, especially under such pressure, and her enlightened comments on Sharon’s life have added immeasurably to the finished product. She has proved to be a true friend and confidant. And Tom Wilson has generously assisted with the production of the finished manuscript never complaining when I frequently kept his wife on the telephone until four in the morning to argue content and direction. Both have my grateful thanks.

In 1991, former Manson Family prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi first put me in touch with Doris Tate. At that time, I suggested the idea of a biography of Sharon. Although initially reluctant, Doris warmed to the idea, and began sharing information about her daughter’s life with me through letters and telephone calls. A few months later, Doris became ill. The last time I spoke with Doris, she was unwell, and our conversation was brief. She apologized, saying that she no longer had the strength to assist me with the project, but that she hoped we could move forward with the idea in the future. Unfortunately, her illness worsened, and she died before any arrangements could be formalized. I only hope that her legacy of advocacy on behalf of victims’ rights, so admirably carried on by Sharon’s sisters, Patti and Debra, continues to effectively remind us all of the beautiful daughter whom she never ceased to mourn.

Greg King