History of Charles Manson in Timeline
Charles Manson was an American cult leader and criminal who headed the Manson Family in the late 1960s. Though not directly involved in the physical acts, he was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1971 for the deaths of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate, committed by his followers in July and August 1969. The prosecution argued that Manson's ideology and influence constituted an overt act of conspiracy, leading to the gruesome murders.
August 1934: Maddox marries William Eugene Manson
In August 1934, before Manson's birth, Ada Kathleen Maddox married William Eugene Manson.
November 12, 1934: Charles Manson Born
On November 12, 1934, Charles Milles Manson, originally named Charles Milles Maddox, was born to 16-year-old 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 he alleged "gross neglect of duty" by Maddox. Charles retained William's last name of Manson.
1937: Paternity Suit
In 1937, Ada Kathleen Maddox filed a paternity suit against Colonel Walker Henderson Scott Sr., resulting in an agreed judgment.
August 1, 1939: Arrest of Maddox and her brother
On August 1, 1939, Charles Manson's mother, Kathleen, and her brother Luther were arrested for assault and robbery and sentenced to five and ten years of imprisonment, respectively.
1942: Manson's mother paroled
In 1942, Charles Manson's mother, Ada Kathleen Maddox, was paroled from prison. Manson later characterized the weeks after her release as the happiest time in his life.
August 1943: Marriage of Maddox to Cavender
In August 1943, Manson's mother, Ada Kathleen Maddox, married alcoholic Lewis Woodson Cavender Jr. after meeting him through Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
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's first documented crime
In 1948, Charles Manson committed his first documented crime by robbing a grocery store in Indianapolis to find something to eat, stealing a cigar box containing just over a hundred dollars.
1949: Manson sent to Boys Town
In 1949, Charles Manson was sent to Boys Town, a juvenile facility in Omaha, Nebraska, after being caught supplementing his wages through theft.
February 1951: Manson Escapes Indiana Boys School
In February 1951, after numerous failed attempts, Charles Manson escaped from the Indiana Boys School with two other boys. They robbed filling stations while attempting to drive to California in stolen cars, until they were arrested in Utah.
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
Charles Manson had a parole hearing scheduled for February 1952. However, in January, he was caught raping a boy at knifepoint.
May 1954: Manson's early release
Due to good behavior, Charles Manson was granted an early release in May 1954 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: Expected release date
Charles Manson was expected to remain at Chillicothe, Ohio until his release on his 21st birthday in November 1955.
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.
On April 10, 1956, while Charles Manson was in prison, Rosalie gave birth to their son, Charles Manson Jr.
March 1957: Manson's wife ceases visits
In March 1957, visits from Charles Manson's wife, Rosalie, ceased. His mother informed him Rosalie was living with another man.
September 1958: Manson receives parole
In September 1958, Charles Manson received five years' parole. In the same year, Rosalie received a divorce decree.
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. He received a ten-year suspended sentence and probation after Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens made a plea before the court.
April 1960: Indictment for violation of the Mann Act
In April 1960, following the arrest of one of the women for prostitution, an indictment for violation of the Mann Act was issued against Charles Manson.
July 1961: Manson transferred to McNeil Island
In July 1961, Charles Manson was transferred from the Los Angeles County Jail to the United States Penitentiary at McNeil Island, Washington.
September 1961: Manson review
Charles Manson's September 1961 annual review noted he had a "tremendous drive to call attention to himself".
1963: Leona granted a divorce
In 1963, Charles Manson's wife Leona was granted a divorce. During the process she alleged that she and Manson had a son, Charles Luther Manson.
September 1964: Manson review
Charles Manson's September 1964 annual review noted he had a "tremendous drive to call attention to himself".
1965: Fromme sentenced under United States Code Title 18, chapter 84
Fromme was sentenced in 1965 to 15 years to life, becoming the first person sentenced under United States Code Title 18, chapter 84, which made it a federal crime to attempt to assassinate the President of the United States.
1965: Manson was incarcerated
In late 1965, Charles Manson was still incarcerated at McNeil Island, refuting the urban legend that he auditioned unsuccessfully for the Monkees.
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.
March 21, 1967: Manson's Release
On March 21, 1967, Charles Manson was released from prison, having spent more than half of his thirty-two years in prisons and other institutions.
1967: Manson in Hollywood
Between 1967 and 1969 Charles Manson was a struggling pop musician, seeking to make it big in Hollywood.
1967: Roberts' mother leaves the Family
In mid-1967, Roberts' biological mother claims that she was a member of the Manson Family who left after being raped by Manson.
March 22, 1968: Birth of Matthew Roberts
On March 22, 1968, Matthew Roberts was born.
1968: Manson interprets the Beatles' Album
In 1968, Manson was influenced by the Beatles' eponymous album and adopted the term "Helter Skelter" to describe an impending apocalyptic race war.
1968: The Beach Boys record Manson's song
In 1968, the Beach Boys recorded Charles Manson's song "Cease to Exist", renaming it "Never Learn Not to Love" as a single B-side, but Manson was uncredited.
July 25, 1969: Gary Hinman Murder
On July 25, 1969, Musician Gary Hinman was murdered.
August 9, 1969: Tate murders become national news
On August 9, 1969, the Tate murders became national news after the Polanskis' housekeeper, Winifred Chapman, arrived for work that morning and discovered the crime scene.
August 11, 1969: Garretson released after polygraph test
On August 11, 1969, Garretson, a suspect in the Tate case, was released after a polygraph examination indicated he was not involved in the crimes.
August 12, 1969: LAPD rules out connection between homicides
On August 12, 1969, the LAPD told the press it had ruled out any connection between the Tate and LaBianca homicides.
August 1969: Manson Family Murders
In August 1969, some members of the Manson Family committed at least nine murders at four locations.
September 1, 1969: Discovery of the murder weapon
On September 1, 1969, Steven Weiss, a 10-year-old, found the .22-caliber Hi Standard "Buntline Special" revolver used in the Tate murders and gave it to the police.
December 1, 1969: Arrest warrants issued for Watson, Krenwinkel, and Kasabian
On December 1, 1969, the LAPD announced warrants for the arrest of Watson, Krenwinkel, and Kasabian in connection to the Tate case, also noting their involvement in the LaBianca murders.
1969: Manson in Hollywood
Between 1967 and 1969 Charles Manson was a struggling pop musician, seeking to make it big in Hollywood.
March 6, 1970: Release of "LIE" Album
On March 6, 1970, "LIE", an album of Charles Manson's music, was released, including "Cease to Exist", a Manson song the Beach Boys had recorded with modified lyrics and the title "Never Learn Not to Love". However, only about 300 of the album's 2,000 copies sold over the next couple of months.
June 15, 1970: Manson trial begins
On June 15, 1970, the trial against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel, and Kasabian began, with Kasabian, who had not participated in the killings, being granted immunity in exchange for her testimony.
June 1970: Rolling Stone Makes Manson Cover Story
In June 1970, Rolling Stone made Charles Manson their cover story, further cementing his notoriety in popular culture. Bernardine Dohrn and James Mason made statements that impacted the legacy of Manson.
1970: Family Jams Recorded
The Family Jams includes two compact discs of Charles Manson's songs recorded by the Family in 1970, after Manson and the others had been arrested. Guitar and lead vocals are supplied by Steve Grogan; additional vocals are supplied by Lynette Fromme, Sandra Good, Catherine Share, and others.
January 25, 1971: Guilty verdicts against the defendants
On January 25, 1971, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel and Van Houten on all twenty-seven separate counts.
March 29, 1971: Death verdicts against Manson and co-defendants
On March 29, 1971, the jury returned verdicts of death against Manson, Atkins, Krenwinkel and Van Houten on all counts.
April 19, 1971: Manson and co-defendants 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.
December 13, 1971: Manson convicted of Gary 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 Convicted of Murder
In 1971, Charles Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people, including Sharon Tate.
1972: Death penalty ruling and eligibility for parole
Following the 1972 decision of California v. Anderson, Manson became eligible to apply for parole after seven years' incarceration.
1972: Death penalty ruled unconstitutional
In 1972, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state's death penalty statutes was unconstitutional, and Manson was re-sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
January 1973: Influence on Star Wars Characters' Names
Between January 1973 and March 1976, screenplays for Star Wars (1977) used the names Luke and Annikin Starkiller, influenced by Charles Manson's reputation, but the surname was later changed to Skywalker.
September 5, 1975: Squeaky Fromme attempts to assassinate President Gerald Ford
On September 5, 1975, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford in Sacramento. She and fellow Manson follower Sandra Good had moved to be near Manson while he was incarcerated at Folsom State Prison.
March 1976: Influence on Star Wars Characters' Names
Between January 1973 and March 1976, screenplays for Star Wars (1977) used the names Luke and Annikin Starkiller, influenced by Charles Manson's reputation, but the surname was later changed to Skywalker.
February 2, 1977: Manson's death sentence modified to life imprisonment
On February 2, 1977, Manson's initial death sentence was modified to life with the possibility of parole.
1977: Luke Starkiller Name Change
In 1977, after production of the movie Star Wars began, George Lucas changed the surname of the character Luke Starkiller to Skywalker, as the original name had unpleasant connotations to Charles Manson
November 16, 1978: Manson's 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: Manson interviewed by Tom Snyder
On June 13, 1981, Manson was interviewed by 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 on over 20 percent of his body.
March 7, 1986: Manson interviewed by Charlie Rose
On March 7, 1986, Manson was interviewed by Charlie Rose for CBS News Nightwatch, recorded at San Quentin State Prison, and it won the national news Emmy Award for Best Interview in 1987.
December 1987: Fromme escapes from prison
In December 1987, Squeaky Fromme, serving a life sentence for attempting to assassinate President Ford, escaped briefly from Federal Prison Camp, Alderson in West Virginia. She was trying to reach Manson.
1987: Emmy Award for Charlie Rose interview
In 1987, the Charlie Rose interview with Manson won the national news Emmy Award for Best Interview.
1987: Original Manson interview deemed "unbelievable"
In 1987, the interview with Manson was considered "so unbelievable" that only seven minutes of it had originally been broadcast on Today, for which it had been recorded.
1987: Krenwinkel discusses trial scripting
In a 1987 documentary, Krenwinkel stated, "The entire proceedings were scripted—by Charlie."
1988: Manson interviewed by Geraldo Rivera
In 1988, Manson was interviewed by Geraldo Rivera as part of the journalist's prime-time special on Satanism.
1989: Manson housed in Protective Housing Unit
After 1989, Manson was housed in the Protective Housing Unit at California State Prison, Corcoran, due to safety concerns.
1989: Crispin Glover Covered "Never Say 'Never' to Always"
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 Records Manson Song
In 1993, American rock band Guns N' Roses recorded Charles Manson's "Look at Your Game, Girl", included as an unlisted 13th track on their album "The Spaghetti Incident?".
March 27, 1997: Manson Refuses to Attend Parole Hearings
After his March 27, 1997, parole hearing, Charles Manson refused to attend any of his later hearings due to having a "history of controlling behavior" and "mental health issues" and that he was too great a danger to be released.
June 1997: Manson found trafficking drugs
In June 1997, a prison disciplinary committee found that Manson had been trafficking drugs and he was moved from Corcoran State Prison to Pelican Bay State Prison a month later.
February 14, 2002: Alleged Manson Will Dated February 14, 2002
Charles Manson's pen-pal, Michael Channels, claimed to have a Manson will dated February 14, 2002, which left Manson's entire estate and Manson's body to Channels.
April 2005: Release of "One Mind" Album
In April 2005, "One Mind", an album of music, poetry, and spoken word, new at the time of its release, was put out under a Creative Commons license.
September 5, 2007: "The Mind of Manson" airs on MSNBC
On September 5, 2007, MSNBC aired The Mind of Manson, a complete version of a 1987 interview at California's San Quentin State Prison.
2007: Lucas Explains Name Change
In 2007, George Lucas explained that the character Luke Starkiller's name was changed to Skywalker in the movie Star Wars because people on set were confusing the name with someone like Charles Manson and the connotations were unpleasant.
August 14, 2009: Fromme released on parole
On August 14, 2009, Squeaky Fromme was released on parole from Federal Medical Center, Carswell.
2009: Matthew Roberts claims Manson as father
In 2009, Los Angeles disc jockey Matthew Roberts released correspondence and other evidence indicating that he might be Manson's biological son.
2009: Manson possesses cell phone in prison
In 2009, Manson was found to have a cell phone while in prison, which he used to contact individuals in California, New Jersey, Florida and British Columbia.
2010: Manson caught with cell phone
In 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that Manson was caught with a cell phone in 2009 and had contacted people in California, New Jersey, Florida and British Columbia.
April 11, 2012: Manson Denied Release at Parole Hearing
On April 11, 2012, Charles Manson was denied release at his twelfth parole hearing, which he did not attend. The panel noted his history of controlling behavior, mental health issues, lack of remorse, and exceptional disregard for human suffering.
2012: CNN Runs DNA Match
In 2012, CNN ran a DNA match to see if Freeman and Roberts were related to each other and found that they were not. According to CNN, two prior attempts to DNA-match Roberts with genetic material from Manson failed, but the results were reportedly contaminated.
2012: DNA test proves Matthew Roberts not Manson's son
In 2012, a CNN conducted DNA test between Matthew Roberts and Manson's known biological grandson Jason Freeman showed that Roberts and Freeman did not share DNA. Subsequently, a direct DNA test proved definitively that Roberts and Manson were not related.
2013: Manson States Bisexuality
In 2013, Charles Manson stated he was bisexual, expressing indifference towards the gender of his sexual partners.
2014: Manson Engaged to Afton Elaine Burton
In 2014, Charles Manson became engaged to 26-year-old Afton Elaine Burton, who had been visiting him in prison for nine years and maintained websites proclaiming his innocence; they obtained a marriage license on November 7.
February 5, 2015: Manson's Marriage License Expires
On February 5, 2015, Charles Manson's marriage license with Afton Elaine Burton, obtained in 2014, expired without a wedding ceremony taking place.
January 1, 2017: Manson Hospitalized for Gastrointestinal Bleeding
On January 1, 2017, Charles Manson, while incarcerated at Corcoran Prison, was rushed to Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield due to gastrointestinal bleeding and considered too weak for surgery; he was returned to prison on January 6.
January 2017: Another Alleged Manson Will Surfaces
Charles Manson's friend Ben Gurecki claimed to have a Manson will dated January 2017, which gives the estate and Manson's body to Matthew Roberts, another alleged son of Manson.
November 15, 2017: Manson Reportedly Returned to Hospital
On November 15, 2017, it was reported by an unauthorized source that Charles Manson had returned to a hospital in Bakersfield; however, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not confirm this due to medical privacy laws. He died from cardiac arrest resulting from respiratory failure, brought on by colon cancer, at the hospital on November 19.
November 19, 2017: Charles Manson Death
On November 19, 2017, Charles Manson died. He was an American criminal, cult leader, and musician who led the Manson Family.
2017: Charles Manson's death
In 2017, Charles Manson died from complications from colon cancer while serving his time in prison.
March 12, 2018: Court Decides in Favor of Freeman Regarding Manson's Body
On March 12, 2018, the Kern County Superior Court in California decided in favor of Jason Freeman in regard to Charles Manson's body.
March 17, 2018: Funeral Service Held for Manson
On March 17, 2018, a funeral service was held for Charles Manson, after which Jason Freeman had his remains cremated and scattered on a California hillside.
2023: Re-Analysis Suggests Manson Misdiagnosed
In 2023, a re-analysis of Charles Manson's psychological state suggested that he may have been misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and proposed that he had bipolar disorder and psychopathy instead.
2027: Manson Not Eligible for Parole Until 2027
At the April 11, 2012, parole hearing, it was determined that Charles Manson would not be reconsidered for parole before 2027, at which time he would have been 92 years old.
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