Charles Manson Cremated After Private, Open-Casket Funeral In California
Infamous killer Charles Manson has been laid to rest. It's been confirmed that Manson was cremated, a funeral held, and his remains scattered accordingly.
A Proper Burial
This final chapter in Manson's story comes after a lengthy court battle for his remains. His grandson, Jason Freeman, one of about 20 to 25 people who attended the memorial service Saturday, prevailed last week, gaining custody of his grandfather's remains.
Manson, the infamous cult leader, died in prison at the age of 83. His funeral was held in Porterville, California and attended by Freeman and his wife, along with a smattering of other mourners.
According to the Porterville Recorder, Manson follower Sandra Good, who served 10 years in prison for her part in his cult, attended the service alongside several other acquaintances. Afton Elaine Burton, a woman Manson took out a license to wed when he was 80 and she was just 26, also attended.
Manson was cremated after the service and his ashes were scattered. Pastor Mark Pitcher said he agreed to lead the service only due to Freeman and his wife being Christians. Freeman reportedly insisted on his grandfather having a proper burial in spite of his checkered history.
Although Pichter didn't concentrate on Manson's past misdeeds, he also didn't completely negate the man's crimes in his sermon on the day.
"There were many choices thrust upon him that brought about very challenging circumstances through his early years. But he also made choices that brought great consequence and negatively impacted other people for many, many years," he said of the notorious killer.
The body was handed over to a funeral and cremation center in Porterville on March 14. Freeman then contracted with them to take possession of it. A documentary cameraman was reportedly present when he officially did so.
A Checkered Past
Manson was sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating, via the so-called Manson Family, the 1969 murders of Sharon Tate and eight others, which took place during a bloody, two-night killing spree.
The ersatz hippie leader utilized drugs and charisma to control his followers, who slaughtered five of their victims at Tate's home alone. The actress was eight months pregnant at the time of her death. Prosecutors later divulged that Manson ordered the killings to kick-start a race war.
Quentin Tarantino recently confirmed that his next project will feature Tate and deal with her murder. Margot Robbie is currently in talks to play the iconic actress, alongside the high-profile likes of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Since 1989, Manson was being kept in the Protective Housing Unit at California State Prison-Corcoran, where inmates who would be at risk among the general prison population are housed. He was hospitalized at least twice over the year leading up to his death.
Of the decision to give his grandfather a proper send-off, Freeman was reticent.
"[The service will put to rest] this so-called monster, this historical figure that shouldn't have been blown up as big as it was for all these years," he said.
