Early Life and Education of Charles Manson: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Charles Manson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Charles Manson was an American cult leader and criminal who led the Manson Family in the late 1960s. His followers committed a series of murders in July and August 1969, most notably the murder of actress Sharon Tate. Though Manson didn't directly order the killings, he was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1971 due to his influence and ideology. The Manson Family's crimes remain a notorious part of American criminal history.
August 1934: Marriage of Maddox and William Eugene Manson
In August 1934, Ada Kathleen Maddox married William Eugene Manson, a laborer at a dry cleaning business.
November 12, 1934: Charles Manson's Birth
On November 12, 1934, Charles Milles Maddox (later Manson) was born to Ada Kathleen Maddox in Cincinnati, Ohio.
April 30, 1937: Divorce of Maddox and William Manson
On April 30, 1937, Ada Kathleen Maddox and William Eugene Manson divorced after William alleged "gross neglect of duty" by Maddox. Charles retained William's last name, Manson.
1937: Paternity suit filed
In 1937, Ada Kathleen Maddox filed a paternity suit against Colonel Walker Henderson Scott, Sr., which resulted in an agreed judgment.
January 28, 1939: Rosalie Willis' birth
Rosalie "Rosie" Jean Willis was born on January 28, 1939. She later married Charles Manson.
August 1, 1939: Arrest of Kathleen and Luther Maddox
On August 1, 1939, Kathleen and Luther Elbert Maddox were arrested for assault and robbery, and sentenced to five and ten years of imprisonment, respectively.
1942: Manson's Mother Paroled
In 1942, Manson's mother was paroled from prison.
August 1943: Marriage of Maddox and Lewis Cavender
In August 1943, Ada Kathleen Maddox married Lewis Woodson Cavender Jr.
1947: Manson placed in Gibault School for Boys
In 1947, at the age of 13, Charles Manson was placed in the Gibault School for Boys in Terre Haute, Indiana, a school for male delinquents run by Catholic priests.
1948: Manson commits first documented crime
In 1948, Charles Manson committed his first documented crime by robbing a grocery store in Indianapolis.
1949: Manson sent to Boys Town
In 1949, Charles Manson was sent to Boys Town, a juvenile facility in Omaha, Nebraska, after being caught stealing.
February 1951: Manson escapes Indiana Boys School
In February 1951, Manson escaped from the Indiana Boys School with two other boys and robbed filling stations while attempting to drive to California in stolen cars.
October 1951: Manson Transferred to Natural Bridge Honor Camp
In October 1951, Charles Manson was transferred to Natural Bridge Honor Camp, a minimum security institution in Virginia, on a psychiatrist's recommendation.
February 1952: Manson's parole hearing scheduled
In February 1952, Charles Manson had a parole hearing scheduled.
May 1954: Manson Granted Early Release
In May 1954, Charles Manson was granted an early release from reformatory and was to live with his aunt and uncle in West Virginia.
January 1955: Manson Marries Rosalie Willis
In January 1955, Charles Manson married Rosalie "Rosie" Jean Willis.
November 1955: Scheduled Release from Reformatory
In November 1955, Charles Manson was expected to be released on his 21st birthday from the maximum security reformatory at Chillicothe, Ohio.
March 1956: Manson Arrested 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.
April 10, 1956: Birth of Charles Manson Jr.
Charles Manson Jr., the son of Charles Manson and Rosalie Willis, was born on April 10, 1956.
September 1958: Manson Paroled and Rosalie Divorced
In September 1958, Charles Manson received a five-year parole. In the same year, Rosalie received a decree of divorce.
September 1959: Manson pleads guilty to check forgery
In September 1959, Charles Manson pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cash a forged U.S. Treasury check.
April 1960: Indictment for violation of the Mann Act
In April 1960, Charles Manson was indicted for violation of the Mann Act after he disappeared in violation of his probation.
July 1961: Manson transferred to McNeil Island Penitentiary
In July 1961, Charles Manson was transferred from the Los Angeles County Jail to the United States Penitentiary at McNeil Island, Washington.
July 1961: Listed Scientology as religion
In July 1961, while incarcerated, Manson listed Scientology as his religion.
September 1961: Annual Review of Manson
In September 1961, Charles Manson's annual review noted he had a "tremendous drive to call attention to himself".
September 1961: Prison report argues Manson developed insight
In September 1961, a prison report suggested that Manson had developed some insight into his problems through his study of Scientology.
1963: Leona Granted Divorce
In 1963, Leona, Charles Manson's wife at the time, was granted a divorce. During the process she alleged that she and Manson had a son, Charles Luther Manson.
September 1964: Annual Review of Manson
In September 1964, an annual review of Charles Manson echoed the observation that he had a tremendous drive to call attention to himself.
1965: Parent killed at Cielo Drive
Headlights approached the group from within the property, and Watson ordered the women to lie in the bushes. He stepped out and ordered the approaching driver, Parent, to halt. Watson leveled a .22 caliber revolver at Parent, who begged him not to hurt him, claiming that he would not say anything. Watson lunged at Parent with a knife, giving him a defensive slash wound on the palm of his hand that severed tendons and tore the boy's watch off his wrist, then shot him four times in the chest and abdomen, killing him in the front seat of his white 1965 AMC Ambassador coupe. Watson ordered the women to help push the car up the driveway.
June 1966: Manson Sent to Terminal Island
In June 1966, Charles Manson was sent for the second time to Terminal Island in preparation for early release.
August 1966: Prison report states Manson no longer an advocate of Scientology
In August 1966, a prison report indicated that Manson was no longer an advocate of Scientology.
March 21, 1967: Manson's Release Day
On March 21, 1967, Charles Manson was released from prison, having spent more than half of his life in prisons and other institutions. He requested permission to stay, stating prison had become his home.
July 31, 1967: Manson arrested for obstructing arrest
On July 31, 1967, Manson was arrested for attempting to prevent the arrest of one of his followers, Ruth Ann Moorehouse. The charge was reduced, and he received three additional years of probation.
1967: Manson uses alias and begins traveling with followers
Around 1967, Manson began using the alias "Charles Willis Manson". Before the end of summer, he and some of his followers began traveling in an adapted school bus, eventually settling in the Los Angeles areas of Topanga Canyon, Malibu and Venice.
1967: Manson Seeking Music Career in Hollywood
From 1967 to 1969, Charles Manson was striving to establish himself as a pop musician in Hollywood, with The Beach Boys recording one of his songs, seeking to make it big in Hollywood.
1967: Brunner becomes pregnant by Manson
In 1967, Brunner became pregnant by Manson.
1967: Manson moves to Berkeley and is transferred to new probation officer
In 1967, less than a month after his release, Manson moved to Berkeley and was transferred to the supervision of Roger Smith, a federal probation officer. Smith worked at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic.
1967: Manson travels to Los Angeles and attends Scientologist parties
Upon his release in 1967, Manson traveled to Los Angeles, reportedly meeting local Scientologists and attending several parties for movie stars and completed 150 hours of auditing.
March 22, 1968: Matthew Roberts Birth
On March 22, 1968, Matthew Roberts was born. His biological mother, a former member of the Manson Family, claimed she was raped by Manson and left the group to give birth, later putting Roberts up for adoption.
April 6, 1968: Dennis Wilson picks up Krenwinkel and Bailey
On April 6, 1968, Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys picked up Krenwinkel and Ella Jo Bailey hitchhiking in Malibu.
April 15, 1968: Brunner gives birth to Manson's son
On April 15, 1968, Brunner gave birth to her and Manson's son, Valentine Michael, in a condemned house in Topanga Canyon, assisted by women from the Family.
April 1968: Manson attracts followers through drug use and unconventional practices
By the end of his stay in the Haight in April 1968, Manson had attracted twenty or so followers through the use of LSD and unconventional sexual practices, under the supervision of Roger Smith at the HAFMC.
July 1968: Manson avoids prosecution after bus crash
In July 1968, Manson avoided prosecution after he and the family were arrested when their bus crashed; Manson and his family were found sleeping naked by police. He was again arrested and released on a drug charge a few days later.
August 1968: Manson establishes base at Spahn Ranch
In August 1968, Manson established a base for the Family at the Spahn Ranch after being evicted from Dennis Wilson's residence.
November 1968: Bruce Davis worked at Church of Scientology
In November 1968, Bruce Davis, Manson's "right hand man", began working at the Church of Scientology headquarters in London.
1968: The Beatles' eponymous album
In 1968, the Beatles released their eponymous album, which Manson interpreted to guide his actions.
1968: Manson adopts term "Helter Skelter"
In late-1968, Manson adopted the term "Helter Skelter", taken from a song on the Beatles' recently released White Album, to refer to the upcoming apocalyptic race war he envisioned.
1968: Manson frequents Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic
Until the spring of 1968, Manson and his family frequented the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic, where Roger Smith and David Smith were studying the effects of drugs on the counterculture movement. Manson and his followers became subjects of their research.
March 23, 1969: Manson visits Cielo Drive
On March 23, 1969, Manson visited the grounds of 10050 Cielo Drive, looking for Terry Melcher, and was met by Shahrokh Hatami and Sharon Tate. He left after being told Melcher no longer lived there.
April 1969: Bruce Davis ceases work at Church of Scientology
In April 1969, Bruce Davis ceased work at the Church of Scientology headquarters in London.
July 1, 1969: Manson shoots Bernard Crowe
On July 1, 1969, Manson shot Bernard "Lotsapoppa" Crowe at Manson's Hollywood apartment after Crowe threatened everyone at Spahn Ranch. Manson believed he had killed Crowe.
July 1969: Hinman held hostage and murdered
In late July 1969, Manson sent Atkins, Brunner, and Beausoleil to Gary Hinman's home to get his assets. They held Hinman hostage for two days. Manson arrived with a sword and slashed Hinman, after which Beausoleil stabbed Hinman to death, allegedly on Manson's instruction.
July 25, 1969: Death of Gary Hinman
On July 25, 1969, Musician Gary Hinman dies which leads to Manson's conviction of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County Court for the July 25, 1969, death of musician Gary Hinman.
August 6, 1969: Beausoleil arrested for Hinman murder
On August 6, 1969, Beausoleil was arrested after being caught driving Hinman's car. Police found the murder weapon in the tire well.
August 8, 1969: Watson takes Atkins, Krenwinkel and Kasabian to Cielo Drive
On the night of August 8, 1969, Tex Watson took Atkins, Krenwinkel, and Linda Kasabian to 10050 Cielo Drive, instructed by Manson to "totally destroy" everyone in it.
August 9, 1969: Tate Murders Became National News
On August 9, 1969, the Tate murders became national news after the Polanskis' housekeeper, Winifred Chapman, arrived for work and discovered the crime scene.
August 11, 1969: Garretson Released as Tate Suspect
On August 11, 1969, Garretson, held briefly as a suspect in the Tate case, was released after a polygraph examination indicated he had not been involved in the crimes.
August 12, 1969: LAPD Rules Out Connection Between Tate and LaBianca Homicides
On August 12, 1969, the LAPD told the press it had ruled out any connection between the Tate and LaBianca homicides.
August 1969: Death of Donald Shea
In August 1969, Donald Shea died, leading to Manson's conviction of first-degree murder.
August 1969: Manson Family Murders
In August 1969, the Manson Family committed a series of at least nine murders at four locations.
August 26, 1969: Donald Jerome "Shorty" Shea murdered
On August 26, 1969, Donald Jerome "Shorty" Shea was murdered on Manson's orders by Bruce Davis, Tex Watson, and Steve Grogan at the Spahn Ranch. They stabbed and brutally tortured him to death.
September 1, 1969: Revolver Used in Murders Found
On September 1, 1969, the .22-caliber Hi Standard "Buntline Special" revolver used by Watson in the murders was found and given to the police by Steven Weiss, a 10-year-old boy living near the Tate residence.
December 1, 1969: Arrest Warrants Issued in Tate Case
On December 1, 1969, the LAPD announced arrest warrants for Watson, Krenwinkel, and Kasabian in the Tate case; their involvement in the LaBianca murders was also noted.
1969: Manson Seeking Music Career in Hollywood
From 1967 to 1969, Charles Manson was striving to establish himself as a pop musician in Hollywood, with The Beach Boys recording one of his songs, seeking to make it big in Hollywood.
March 6, 1970: "LIE" Album Release
On March 6, 1970, the album "LIE", featuring music by Charles Manson, was released. It included "Cease to Exist", a song that the Beach Boys had previously recorded with altered lyrics and the title "Never Learn Not to Love".
June 15, 1970: Manson Trial Begins
On June 15, 1970, the trial against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel, and Kasabian began for seven counts of murder and one of conspiracy.
1970: Family Jams Recorded
In 1970, after Charles Manson and other members had been arrested, the Family Jams, were recorded. The Family Jams include two compact discs of Manson's songs recorded by the Family
January 25, 1971: Guilty Verdicts Against Defendants
On January 25, 1971, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel and Van Houten on each of the twenty-seven counts against them.
March 29, 1971: Jury Returns Death Verdicts
On March 29, 1971, the jury returned verdicts of death against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel, and Van Houten on all counts.
April 19, 1971: Sentenced to Death
On April 19, 1971, Judge Older sentenced Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel, and Van Houten to death.
April 22, 1971: Manson Admitted to State Prison
On April 22, 1971, Manson was admitted to state prison for seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the Tate-LaBianca murders.
December 13, 1971: Manson Convicted for Hinman's Murder
On December 13, 1971, Manson was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County Court for the July 25, 1969, death of musician Gary Hinman.
1971: Manson's Murder Conviction
In 1971, Charles Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people, including Sharon Tate. The prosecution argued his ideology was an overt act of conspiracy.
1972: Death Penalty Ruled Unconstitutional
In 1972, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state's death penalty statutes was unconstitutional, Manson was re-sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
September 5, 1975: Fromme Attempts to Assassinate President Ford
On September 5, 1975, Squeaky Fromme attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford in Sacramento.
February 2, 1977: Death Sentence Modified to Life
On February 2, 1977, Manson's initial death sentence was modified to life imprisonment.
December 1977: Shea's remains discovered
In December 1977, the skeletal remains of Donald Shea were discovered on a hillside near Santa Susana Road by Spahn Ranch. Grogan, convicted of the murder, provided a map to the location. The autopsy revealed stab and chopping wounds to the chest and blunt force trauma to the head.
1977: Atkins autobiography
In her 1977 autobiography, Atkins wrote that Manson directed Beausoleil, Brunner and her to go to Hinman's and get the supposed inheritance of $21,000. She said that two days earlier Manson had told her privately that, if she wanted to "do something important", she could kill Hinman and get his money.
November 16, 1978: First Parole Hearing
On November 16, 1978, Manson's first parole hearing took place at California Medical Facility in Vacaville, where his petition was rejected.
June 13, 1981: Interview with Tom Snyder
On June 13, 1981, Manson gave an interview to Tom Snyder for NBC's The Tomorrow Show, recorded at California Medical Facility.
September 25, 1984: Manson Set on Fire by Inmate
On September 25, 1984, Manson was imprisoned in the California Medical Facility at Vacaville when inmate Jan Holmstrom poured paint thinner on him and set him on fire, causing second and third degree burns.
March 7, 1986: Interview with Charlie Rose
On March 7, 1986, Manson was interviewed by Charlie Rose for CBS News Nightwatch, recorded at San Quentin State Prison.
December 1987: Fromme Escapes Prison
In December 1987, Fromme, serving a life sentence for the assassination attempt, escaped briefly from Federal Prison Camp, Alderson in West Virginia.
1987: Manson Interviewed at San Quentin State Prison
In 1987, Manson was interviewed at San Quentin State Prison. Only a small portion of the footage was originally broadcast on Today, for which it had been recorded.
1987: Emmy Award for Best Interview
In 1987, the interview with Charlie Rose won the national news Emmy Award for Best Interview.
1987: Krenwinkel comments on trial script
In a 1987 documentary, Krenwinkel stated, "The entire proceedings were scripted—by Charlie." indicating Manson's influence over the trial.
1988: Interview with Geraldo Rivera
In 1988, Manson was interviewed by Geraldo Rivera as part of the journalist's prime-time special on Satanism.
1989: Housed in Protective Housing Unit
After 1989, Manson was housed in the Protective Housing Unit at California State Prison, Corcoran, in Kings County.
1989: Crispin Glover Covers Manson Song
In 1989, Crispin Glover covered "Never Say 'Never' to Always" on his album The Big Problem ≠ The Solution. The Solution=Let It Be.
1993: Guns N' Roses Record Manson's Song
In 1993, American rock band Guns N' Roses recorded Charles Manson's "Look at Your Game, Girl" as an unlisted track on their album "The Spaghetti Incident?".
March 27, 1997: Manson Refuses Parole Hearings
After his parole hearing on March 27, 1997, Charles Manson refused to attend any subsequent parole hearings due to the panel's assessment of his controlling behavior, mental health issues, and the danger he posed if released.
June 1997: Disciplinary Committee Finds Manson Trafficking Drugs
In June 1997, a prison disciplinary committee found that Manson had been trafficking drugs. He was moved from Corcoran State Prison to Pelican Bay State Prison a month later.
February 14, 2002: Manson's Will Dated
On February 14, 2002, Charles Manson allegedly created a will leaving his entire estate and body to his pen-pal Michael Channels, which was later contested after his death.
April 2005: "One Mind" Album Release
In April 2005, the album "One Mind", featuring music, poetry, and spoken word, was released under a Creative Commons license.
September 5, 2007: MSNBC Airs "The Mind of Manson"
On September 5, 2007, MSNBC aired The Mind of Manson, a complete version of a 1987 interview at California's San Quentin State Prison.
August 14, 2009: Fromme Released on Parole
On August 14, 2009, Fromme was released on parole from Federal Medical Center, Carswell.
2009: Manson Caught with Cell Phone and Matthew Roberts Claims
In 2009, Charles Manson was caught with a cell phone while incarcerated, contacting individuals across multiple states and British Columbia. Also in 2009, Matthew Roberts claimed to potentially be Manson's son, with Roberts' biological mother stating she was raped by Manson in 1967 and gave birth to Roberts in 1968.
2010: Manson's Secret Album Revealed
In 2010, it was reported that Charles Manson had recorded an album of acoustic pop songs titled "Completion" with additional production by Henry Rollins. Only five copies were pressed, and the album remains unreleased.
April 11, 2012: Manson Denied Parole and Reconsideration Date Set
On April 11, 2012, Charles Manson was denied release at his twelfth parole hearing, which he did not attend. It was determined that Manson would not be reconsidered for parole for another fifteen years, not before 2027.
2012: CNN DNA Match
In 2012, CNN conducted a DNA test to determine if Jason Freeman and Matthew Roberts, who both claimed a relationship to Charles Manson, were related to each other. The DNA test revealed that they were not related.
2013: Manson Declares Bisexuality
In 2013, Charles Manson stated that he was bisexual, asserting that sex was inconsequential to him and that gender was irrelevant.
2014: Manson Engaged to Afton Elaine Burton
In 2014, Charles Manson, while in prison, became engaged to 26-year-old Afton Elaine Burton, nicknamed "Star." They obtained a marriage license on November 7, 2014, however, the wedding never took place.
February 5, 2015: Manson's Marriage License Expires
On February 5, 2015, Charles Manson's marriage license with Afton Elaine Burton expired without a marriage ceremony taking place, leading to speculations about the reasons behind the cancellation.
2016: Love recalls Wilson's story about Manson
Writing in his 2016 memoir, Mike Love recalled Dennis Wilson saying he had witnessed Manson shooting a black man "in half" with an M16 rifle and hiding the body inside a well.
January 1, 2017: Manson Hospitalized for Gastrointestinal Bleeding
On January 1, 2017, Charles Manson, while being held at Corcoran Prison, was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield due to gastrointestinal bleeding and was considered "too weak" for surgery, later being returned to prison on January 6.
January 2017: Alleged Manson Will Gives Estate to Matthew Roberts
In January 2017, Charles Manson allegedly created a will giving his estate and body to Matthew Roberts, who claimed to be another son of Manson. This will was created around the same time that Manson was hospitalized for gastrointestinal bleeding.
November 15, 2017: Manson Reportedly Hospitalized Again
On November 15, 2017, an unconfirmed report stated that Charles Manson was taken to a hospital in Bakersfield; however, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not confirm this in compliance with medical privacy laws.
March 12, 2018: Freeman Wins Claim to Manson's Body
On March 12, 2018, the Kern County Superior Court in California ruled in favor of Jason Freeman regarding the possession of Charles Manson's body, settling the dispute among multiple claimants.
2027: Manson's Potential Parole Reconsideration
In 2027, Charles Manson was scheduled for a potential parole reconsideration, at which time he would have been 92 years old, following the denial of his parole in 2012.
Mentioned in this timeline
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