Manson Dead

Above, Sharon Tate's grave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was in August 1969 that I was camping with my parents at the Watchman Campground in Zion National Park when word came over the radio that a mass murder took place in Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles.

It was the first word of the murders of actress Sharon Tate and her houseguests that a group of killer hippies, who later became known as the Manson Family, to reach the world.

Now, nearly 50 years later, Charles Manson, the leader of the group, has finally died.

The New York Post reported:

Charles Manson, the ’60s cult leader behind one of the most notorious killings in American history, died Sunday in California after a prolonged illness, officials said. He was 83. 

Manson – housed at Corcoran State Prison since 1989 – died at 8:13 p.m. local time at Kern County Hospital, the California Department of Corrections said in a press release early Monday. 

He’d been in failing health for months and was first hospitalized back in January, reportedly with serious gastrointestinal problems.

The Manson Family conducted more crimes. They include murders of the LaBiancas in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, the attempted burglary of Western Surplus in Hawthorne, California (not too far from my home) and the attempt on the life of President Gerald Ford by Manson follower Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in Sacramento.

All one can really say is, "Good riddance!" Maybe I'll listen to the Beatles' "White Album" to celebrate.

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