Now That He's Dead, What Will Happen To Charles Manson's Body?
[California State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation mug shot, 2011/WikiMedia Commons]
CORCORAN, CA — Charles Manson’s body is likely to be left in state custody and cremated following his death, according to new reports.
The former cult leader does not appear to have relatives on file with prison officials. Despite rumors over the years that he fathered at least one child, Manson did not identify a next of kin, according to a corrections official who spoke to People. Manson was reportedly asked every year to provide the information but never did.
Manson reportedly did have a son, Charles Manson, Jr., although he never officially acknowledged him. He committed suicide in 1993. Matthew Roberts claims to be another biological son of Manson, the alleged product of a rape at a drug-fueled orgy. Jason Freeman says he’s Manson’s grandson, the son of the late Charles Manson, Jr. But, none of the men are identified on prison documents as relatives.
Manson, 83, died of natural causes Sunday night at a Kern County, California hospital, according to a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Under California law, Manson’s next of kin has 10 days — or until November 29 — to either decline or take possession of the body.
If the body is unclaimed for 10 days, the prison has the option to bury or cremate Manson, and there will reportedly be no autopsy on his body. Prison officials plan to opt for cremation, according to TMZ.
Remember when Manson was engaged to Star Burton? Despite her claims that she was in love with him, some allege the marriage plans fell apart after he learned she wanted to marry him so she could claim his body after his death and display it in a glass crypt for profit.
The charismatic former cult leader became a symbol of evil after his role in the deaths of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate, in 1969. Prosecutors said the slayings were carried out according to Manson's instructions by members of his “Family†of hippie followers.
TMZ reported the state plans to take possession of any property Manson left behind, and any funds he had left will reportedly be used to cover cremation costs.
Manson was serving nine life sentences at California’s Corcoran State Prison.
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Read more: People , TMZ.com, New York Post
