Lasting Legacy of Charles Manson: A Look at the Influence on History

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Charles Manson

How the contributions of Charles Manson continue to shape the world today.

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.

June 1970: Rolling Stone Features Manson on Cover

In June 1970, Rolling Stone magazine made Manson their cover story, increasing his notoriety.

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January 1973: Lucas Begins Writing Star Wars

Between January 1973 and March 1976, George Lucas wrote the screenplays for the first Star Wars film, originally using the names Luke and Annikin Starkiller for the main characters. Later, the surname was changed to Skywalker due to the unpleasant connotations of "Starkiller" sounding like "celebrity killer" in the wake of Manson's notoriety.

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March 1976: Lucas Finishes Writing Star Wars

Between January 1973 and March 1976, George Lucas wrote the screenplays for the first Star Wars film, originally using the names Luke and Annikin Starkiller for the main characters. Later, the surname was changed to Skywalker due to the unpleasant connotations of "Starkiller" sounding like "celebrity killer" in the wake of Manson's notoriety.

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1977: Star Wars released

In 1977, the film Star Wars was released after George Lucas changed the name Skywalker due to connotations with Manson.

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February 14, 2002: Channels Claims Manson's Will

On February 14, 2002, Manson's pen-pal Michael Channels claimed to have a will from Manson dated that day which left Manson's entire estate and body to Channels.

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2007: Lucas Explains Skywalker Name Change

In 2007, George Lucas explained that the surname Starkiller was changed to Skywalker for the Star Wars movie because it could be misconstrued as "celebrity killer" due to Manson's notoriety.

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January 2017: Gurecki Claims Manson's Will

In January 2017, Ben Gurecki claimed to have a Manson will dated January 2017 which gives the estate and Manson's body to Matthew Roberts.

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March 12, 2018: Freeman Wins Court Case Over Manson's Body

On March 12, 2018, the Kern County Superior Court in California decided in favor of Jason Freeman in regard to Manson's body.

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March 17, 2018: Manson's Funeral Service and Cremation

On March 17, 2018, a funeral service was held for Manson, after which Jason Freeman had his remains cremated and scattered on a California hillside.

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