Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Charles Manson

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Charles Manson.

Charles Manson was an American cult leader and criminal who led the Manson Family. In 1969, members of his cult committed at least nine murders across four locations, most notably the murder of actress Sharon Tate. Manson was convicted in 1971 of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people. The prosecution argued successfully that his ideology instigated the murders even though he never directly ordered them. Manson and several other members of the "Manson Family" received life sentences for their crimes.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

August 1, 1939: Arrest of Kathleen and Luther Maddox

On August 1, 1939, Kathleen and Luther Maddox were arrested for assault and robbery, and sentenced to five and ten years of imprisonment, respectively.

1948: First Documented Crime

In 1948, Charles Manson committed his first documented crime by robbing a grocery store in Indianapolis.

1949: Placement in Boys Town and Subsequent Crimes

In 1949, a sympathetic judge sent Manson to Boys Town, a juvenile facility in Omaha, Nebraska. After four days, he and another student stole a gun and a car to commit two armed robberies.

February 1951: Escape from Indiana Boys School

In February 1951, Charles Manson escaped from the Indiana Boys School with two other boys and robbed filling stations while attempting to drive to California in stolen cars until they were arrested in Utah.

March 1956: Arrest in Indianapolis

In March 1956, Charles Manson was arrested in Indianapolis for failing to appear at a Los Angeles hearing on an identical charge filed in Florida.

September 1959: Guilty Plea and Marriage to Leona Stevens

In September 1959, Charles Manson pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cash a forged U.S. Treasury check. He received a suspended sentence and probation after Leona Rae Stevens made a plea before the court and then married Manson.

April 1960: Indictment for Mann Act Violation

In April 1960, Charles Manson was indicted for violating the Mann Act after taking Leona and another woman to New Mexico for prostitution purposes.

1967: Rape Claim by Manson Family Member

In 1967, a member of the Manson Family claimed that she was raped by Manson, leading to her pregnancy and eventual birth of Matthew Roberts on March 22, 1968. She left the family mid-1967 following the rape.

March 22, 1968: Birth of Matthew Roberts

On March 22, 1968, Matthew Roberts was born. His biological mother, a former member of the Manson Family, claimed Manson raped her in 1967, leading to the pregnancy. Roberts was put up for adoption.

1968: Manson and The Beatles' eponymous album

In 1968, Charles Manson often talked about The Beatles, including their eponymous album. Manson felt guided by his interpretation of the Beatles' lyrics and adopted the term "Helter Skelter" to describe an impending apocalyptic race war.

August 1969: Manson Family Murders

In August 1969, members of the Manson Family committed a series of at least nine murders at four locations in California.

1971: Manson's Conviction

In 1971, Charles Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people.

2009: Matthew Roberts Claims Manson as Father

In 2009, Los Angeles disc jockey Matthew Roberts released correspondence suggesting Charles Manson might be his father. Roberts' biological mother claimed Manson raped her in 1967 and she gave birth to Roberts in 1968. In 2009, Roberts claimed Manson as his biological father

2010: Manson Caught with Cell Phone

In 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that in 2009, Manson was caught with a cell phone and had contacted people in California, New Jersey, Florida and British Columbia. It was unknown if Manson had used the phone for criminal purposes.

2012: DNA Test Debunks Roberts' Claim

In 2012, CNN conducted a DNA test between Matthew Roberts and Jason Freeman, Manson's grandson, showing that Roberts and Freeman did not share DNA. Subsequently, Roberts' direct DNA test with Manson proved they were not related. This all happened in 2012.

2012: CNN Runs DNA Match on Freeman and Roberts

In 2012, CNN ran a DNA match to see if Freeman and Roberts were related to each other and found that they were not. Two prior attempts to DNA-match Roberts with genetic material from Manson failed, but the results were reportedly contaminated. These attempts were made in 2012.

February 5, 2015: Manson's Marriage License Expires

On February 5, 2015, Manson's wedding license with Afton Elaine Burton expired without a marriage ceremony taking place, allegedly due to Manson's belief that Burton wanted to exploit his corpse.