Charles Manson, who had a big part in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders involving the so-called Manson Family, died at 83 years old last Sunday, Nov. 19, reportedly due to "natural causes."
Manson passed away at a hospital in Kern County, California, as announced by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Manson became notorious for bringing terror in Los Angeles with daily deaths back in 1969.
Earlier this year, Manson suffered intestinal bleeding, which had prompted jail officials to take the criminal to a hospital. He was then due for surgery, but it was not pursued after it was found to be "too risky' due to the complications brought about by his advanced years.
Manson was the leader of a cult, the Manson Family, which was established in California in the late 1960s. His cult was responsible for the death of actress Sharon Tate, who was then eight months pregnant was killed in her home in Beverly Hills. Also murdered were Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent.
The day after the Tate murder, the group turned to the LaBianca family. Leno and Rosemary LaBianca died with 169 stabs and seven gunshot wounds. The crimes were not perpetrated by Manson, but he gave the orders for the killings. The bodies of the victims contained the words "Pig" and "Helter Skelter."
A prosecutor explained that Manson had wanted to start a new race, and had planned for the Black Panthers to be blamed for the deaths. The ensuing trial of Manson and three members of his group had been a loud and terrifying experience, especially when Manson and his followers started singing in the court. He was initially sentenced to death, but it was later revoked as it was then deemed unconstitutional.
As of writing, it is unknown what will happen to his remains and where it will be placed.
