BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Grandson vs. companion: Who is Charles Manson’s true heir?

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

(NewsNation) — An unusual legal battle continues over control of cult leader Charles Manson’s estate.

More than half a century ago, Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people.

1969: Police mug shot of American cult leader and murderer Charles Manson. Information about the Tate-LaBianca murders is detailed below the photo. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

At the time of his death, in 2017, most experts valued the estate at about $400,000, but some believe it could be worth millions.

On Monday, the half-sister of Manson dropped her claim to permanently run the estate, leaving just two people left in the battle.

Jason Freeman claims to be the son of Charles Manson Jr., and Michael Channels says he has a signed will from 20 years ago that grants full control over the estate.

During an appearance Tuesday night on NewsNation’s “Banfield,” attorney Tim Lyons said that since 1992, Channels was a pen pal of Manson’s as well as a consistent jail visitor.

“He really was one of his only friends for the last 20-25 years of his life,” Lyons said. “It was hundreds of hours of visits in the state prison.”

Lyons, who is representing Channels, says he doesn’t believe Freeman to be Manson’s grandson.

“Mr. Freeman had nothing to do with Mr. Manson, and Mr. Manson didn’t even know he existed. So whether or not he’s the grandson, which we don’t believe, my client was basically Charles Manson’s only family for the last amount of decades that he was in prison.”

Lyons added that it’s important to remember that the American legal system doesn’t require you to leave anything behind for your family.

“Michael Channels was Charles Manson’s chosen family, and so he wrote him into his will, because he knew he could best carry for his legacy.”

Seven deputies escort Charles Manson from the courtroom after he and three followers were found guilty of seven murders in the Tate-LaBianca slayings.

“It should be very simple. If the will stands, and I believe it will, then my client inherits, and Mr. Freeman is out. If the will doesn’t stand then, and Freeman is determined to be the grandson by the court, then he will inherit,” Lyons added.

A hearing to determine the control of Manson’s estate is scheduled for next month.

Banfield

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Partly Cloudy

la

60°F Partly Cloudy Feels like 58°
Wind
8 mph W
Humidity
54%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
49°F Partly cloudy skies. Low 49F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wind
9 mph NNW
Precip
0%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Full Moon