Nephew of Manson Victim Seeks Justice for Jay Sebring’s Legacy

The legacy of renowned hairstylist Jay Sebring, one of the victims of the infamous Manson Family murders in Los Angeles, is being championed by his nephew, Anthony DiMaria. DiMaria aims to counteract the distortion surrounding his uncle’s tragic death on the night of August 9, 1969, when Sebring, along with actress Sharon Tate and several others, was brutally murdered.

In the early hours of that fateful night, a group associated with Charles Manson attacked Tate’s home, resulting in the deaths of Sebring, Tate, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, aspiring screenwriter Wojciech Frykowski, and recent high school graduate Steven Parent. The following evening, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were also murdered by Manson’s followers.

DiMaria emphasizes the importance of recognizing Sebring’s contributions and character. He stated, “One of the things that remains is the distortion, not only of the facts and what happened in these historical events but also in the victim blaming and the marginalization and downright slander of the victims.” He believes that Sebring’s identity and legacy were obscured by the aftermath of the notorious murders.

Sebring, a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, gained prominence in Hollywood as a trendsetting hairstylist. He was known for encouraging high-profile clients such as Steve McQueen and Jim Morrison to embrace longer hairstyles. His work was so highly regarded that McQueen once paid him $3,000 for a haircut. Sebring’s friendship with martial arts icon Bruce Lee further solidified his status in the entertainment industry.

DiMaria, who was only three years old when his uncle was murdered, expressed his desire to restore Sebring’s reputation. Last summer, he co-authored a biography titled Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth. In it, he details how Sebring changed his name from his birth name after the famous racetrack in Florida and how he rose to fame in Hollywood. DiMaria described Sebring’s life as a “roadmap to the American dream,” highlighting his journey from a young man with limited resources to a celebrated stylist.

The impact of the murders has lingered in DiMaria’s life, creating a complex narrative intertwined with grief and the desire for truth. He stated, “Tragically, Jay’s destiny was hijacked and his legacy was obscured by prisms of exploitation, greed, and fear in the aftermath of one of the most notorious murders in history.”

As the years have passed, only two individuals remain who were present at the murder scene: Patricia Krenwinkel and Charles “Tex” Watson. Following the attack on Sebring, Watson shot 18-year-old Parent, who had inadvertently found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. Later, Watson entered the home and confronted Sebring, who fought back, revealing the stylist’s bravery amid chaos. Forensic evidence and court testimony confirmed that Sebring defended himself as best he could.

In 2024, DiMaria reached out to Watson at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, posing three questions: Why did he shoot Sebring? Did he know him prior to that night? Were Sebring and the other victims ever identified by Manson? Watson’s response indicated he had no prior knowledge of Sebring or any mention of the victims by Manson.

In a follow-up, DiMaria pressed Watson on the contradiction in his account, questioning how he could feel threatened by a man fighting back when he was armed at the time. Watson’s reply was focused on his perception of danger, stating, “I shot him because of the danger posed.”

This ongoing quest for clarity and recognition reflects a deep personal commitment from DiMaria to honor his uncle’s legacy. As the narrative surrounding the Manson murders continues to evolve, the need to remember the individuals who lost their lives remains paramount. Through his efforts, he hopes to shift the focus from the sensationalism of the events to the real human stories behind the tragedy.