Q: Which members of Charles Manson’s Family are still in jail? Is he still alive?
—Jean Higgins, Atlanta
A: Most of the Mason Family is still in jail. Manson is serving a life sentence at California's Corcoran State Prison for seven murders his group committed over two days in 1969. Parole has been denied 12 times, and it's possible he'll be eligible again in 2027, but he'll be 80 on Nov. 12.
Patricia Krenwinkel and Charles “Tex” Watson also were convicted of seven murders. She is serving time at the California Institution for Women and Watson is at Mule Creek State Prison, also in California. Susan Atkins, who was convicted of five of the murders, died of cancer in September 2009 while serving her sentence. Leslie Van Houten was convicted of two murders and also is serving time at the California Institution for Women. Those members of the “Family” were involved in five murders at the home of director Roman Polanski and his wife Sharon Tate on Aug. 9, 1969, and the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca on Aug. 10.
Steve “Clem” Grogan, who was convicted of killing Donald “Shorty” Shea later that month, was sentenced to life and was paroled in 1985. Bruce Davis, who was convicted of murdering Shea and Gary Hinman, and Bobby Beausoleil, who also was convicted of killing Hinman, are serving time.
Linda Kasabian was granted immunity for her testimony and now lives in secrecy. Many of the Manson Family were sentenced to death, but the death penalty was abolished in California in 1972, resulting in life sentences.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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